(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Venezuela are against their president staying in power for an unlimited period of time, according to a poll by IVAD. 64.3 per cent of respondents oppose the indefinite re-election of Hugo Chávez.

Chávez has been in office since February 1999. In July 2000, he was elected to a six-year term with 59.5 per cent of all cast ballots. In August 2004, Chávez won a referendum on his tenure with 59 per cent of the vote. The special election was called after opposition organizations in Venezuela gathered 2.5 million signatures to force a recall ballot. In December 2006, Chávez earned a new six-year term with 62.89 per cent of the vote.

On Jun. 24, Chávez revealed during a televised interview his proposal to reform the country's constitution, which includes a clause that would allow the unlimited re-election of the head of state. The president also mentioned he is considering the introduction of a presidential-parliamentary system in Venezuela, saying, "There are people who think there could be a prime minister here, like in France, meaning a president that could be indefinitely re-elected, and a governor or prime minister that is elected by the Parliament each time there are parliamentary elections. (...) That is the parliamentary model, and at the same time presidential, it's a combination."

A referendum on constitutional amendments has been tentatively scheduled for September.

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose the indefinite re-election of Hugo Chávez as president?

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