September 27, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The majority of Venezuelans—although fewer people than three months ago—are against a proposed electoral reform that would allow Hugo Chávez to seek re-election indefinitely, according to a poll by Hinterlaces published by El Nacional. 56 per cent of respondents reject the president’s initiative, down seven points since June.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The majority of Venezuelans—although fewer people than three months ago—are against a proposed electoral reform that would allow Hugo Chávez to seek re-election indefinitely, according to a poll by Hinterlaces published by El Nacional. 56 per cent of respondents reject the president’s initiative, down seven points since June.

Chávez—a left-leaning leader—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. The legislature has already approved the president’s proposed draft.

On Sept. 24, Chávez said Venezuela will eventually follow in the footsteps of Iran, Argentina and Brazil and develop nuclear energy, saying. "People should not be surprised when we start the process—we’re heading in that direction."

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose the electoral reform proposed by Hugo Chávez, which would allow him to seek re-election indefinitely?

	Sept. 2007	Jun. 2007
Support	37%	19%
Oppose	56%	63%
Not sure	7%	18%

Source: Hinterlaces / El Nacional
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 900 Venezuelan adults in nine regions, conducted from Sept. 4 to Sept. 6, 2007. Margin of error is 4.1 per cent.