Venezuela's constitutional reforms

[masked_marsoe]

I assume most of you will have heard something about this over recent months. If you haven't, Hugo Chavez has been pushing a raft of constituional reforms - covering a wide range of issues - from working hours, to voting age, to increased social security, as well as removal of term limits, government control of the central bank.

Or: YouTube - Chavezistas troubled by Chavez reforms - 02 Dec 07

Chavez calls it vital for the creation of 21st century socialism, but opponents see it as the end of real democracy in Venezuala.

The exit polls so far seem to close to call.

Thoughts?

[Afterburner]

The removal of term limits reveal his reforms for what they really are, a shot at becoming a complete dictator for the country. He can make all the reforms he wants, but he has no right to try to remain in power any longer then what his term limits say.

[Jonathan91]

Originally Posted by Afterburner

The removal of term limits reveal his reforms for what they really are, a shot at becoming a complete dictator for the country. He can make all the reforms he wants, but he has no right to try to remain in power any longer then what his term limits say.

I do agree with you Afterburner. But on the flip side if the PEOPLE vote this in, I would have not the least of bit sympathy for them or there future.And nether should anybody else. As they did it to them selves. If indeed they to vote this thru.

[homo sine domino]

I've heard he wants to stay in power until 2050.

[Karst]

The vote on the constitutional changes has been decided against, by the way.
Chavez has said that he will respect the result.

Good thing, in my opinion. A lot of the changes seem to be curtailed to silencing opposition and the free press.

[Roaming East]

Reminds me of a quote. Its not who votes that counts, but who counts the votes. I've heard his reform has been voted down. we'll see if it stays that way or if 'emergency powers' might soon be activated due to some threat his nation will supposedly face from my own very soon.

[Red Menace]

If anything, he will void the election because of "meddling" by the United States, which he alluded to before the vote. However, with anti-Chavez protests on an almost weekly basis, I don’t really think he has the balls nor the support to force his way.

[Dalt]

he wants to be a dictator. all commies are like that.

[masked_marsoe]

Originally Posted by Red Menace

I don’t really think he has the balls nor the support to force his way.

Neither do I.

The defeat was narrow though:
Proposal A: No (50.7%)

Yes (49.3%)

Proposal B: No (51%)
Yes (48.9%)

Still, I think he will tone more radical proposals down for a while.