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Chavez asks Venezuelans to let him run in 2012

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-02-16 09:53

CARACAS, Venezuela -- President Hugo Chavez tried Sunday for the third time in his tumultuous decade in power to cast aside constitutional barriers to his re-election, arguing that only he can complete the transformation of Venezuela into a socialist state.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez casts during a referendum in Caracas February 15, 2009. [Agencies]

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Voters on both sides said their decision was crucial to the future of Venezuela, a deeply polarized country where Chavez has channeled tremendous oil wealth into combating gaping social inequality.

"Today my political destiny is being decided," Chavez said. "The future of the country is at stake."

The recorded blare of bugles jarred Venezuelans awake before dawn, and long lines formed even before the polls opened at 6 a.m. Chavez said 40 percent of those registered had voted by noon. Authorities declared the polls closed shortly after 6 p.m., but said anyone still in line would be allowed to vote. Results were expected later Sunday.

People voting "yes" said Chavez has given poor Venezuelans cheap food, free education and quality health care, and empowered them with a discourse of class struggle after decades of US-backed governments that favored the rich. No successor has emerged, and voters said they worry their gains will vanish if Chavez leaves office.

"If Chavez loses, his social achievements will all disappear," said Richard Mijares, a 40-year-old secretary.

People voting "no" said Chavez already has far too much power, with the courts, the legislature and the election council all under his influence. Removing the 12-year presidential term limit he pushed through in a 1999 referendum, they said, would make him unstoppable.

"If he wins he'll be unleashed and he'll make us like Cuba, because that's what he really wants," said Adriana Hernandez, a 19-year-old engineering student. "He'll create laws by decree, and go after private property."

Chavez took office in 1999 and won support for a new constitution the same year that allowed the president to serve two six-year terms, barring him from the 2012 elections. Sunday's vote was his second attempt to change that. Voters rejected a broader referendum in December 2007.

Venezuela's leftist allies in Latin America have followed the model. Ecuador pushed through a new constitution in September and Bolivia did so in January. Both loosened rules on presidential re-election. Nicaragua's ruling Sandinistas also plan to propose an amendment that would let Daniel Ortega run for another consecutive term.

Venezuela has seen 15 elections or referendums in Chavez's decade, which Chavez supporters say proves his dedication to democracy and which supporters call tiresome. Chavez has said that even if he loses, there's nothing to stop him from calling another referendum.

He argues he needs more time to complete Venezuela's transition to socialism - a process he has said could take another decade or more. He says his "little change" would deepen democracy by giving voters more options.

Chavez pledged to respect the results, whatever they are, and warned his opponents - whom he calls "sore losers" - that they had better do the same.

"Any attempt to take us down the path of violence, by failing to recognize the results of the people's will, will be neutralized," he proclaimed.