Polls & Research

Many Venezuelans Oppose Chávez Reforms

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people in Venezuela disagree with a series of constitutional reforms being proposed by their president, according to a poll by Hinterlaces published in El Nacional. 45 per cent of respondents oppose the reforms—which include allowing the indefinite re-election of Hugo Chávez—while 35 per cent support them.

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.

In June, Chávez revealed during a televised interview his proposal to reform the country’s constitution for the second time since he took office. The new draft 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.

The National Assembly—where pro-Chávez lawmakers control more than two-thirds of the seats—has tentatively scheduled the referendum for Dec. 9. Before the plebiscite takes place, the legislature must approve the draft.

On Jun. 23, Chávez gave a speech suggesting he intends to stay in power for as long as possible, saying, "(Cuban president) Fidel Castro has told me that should I die, this revolution will be gone with the wind. (...) I am aware that he is right, unfortunately. If I die, this revolution will be gone with the wind, because we lack a party, a big machinery."

On Aug. 28, former planning deputy minister Roland Denis Boulton—a supporter of Chávez—published a paper opposing the clause that would allow for indefinite presidential re-election, saying it "threatens to turn this humble republic into a social-liberal autocracy."

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose the constitutional reform presented by Hugo Chávez?