Karim,
   
  I think the outcome of the referendum represents a victory for democracy against Chavez's declared agenda to become a president-for-life just like his mentor, Fidel in Cuba. The students movement in Venezuela who were at the fore-front of the No-Campaign deserves commendation for parting ways with Chavez on this most crucial issue of democracy or authoritarianism. Chavez also showed wisdom by conceding defeat and not resorting to force to impose his will. 
   
  Nonetheless I salute the poverty-alleviation strategies and declared anti-imperialist stance of the Venezuelan Revolution led by Chavez. However, he ought not to copy Papa Fidel's revolution wholescale. 
   
  Thanks for sharing.
   
  Bailo

ABDOUKARIM SANNEH <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
  Chávez loses bid to rule until 2050

Audio: Rory Carroll on the rejection (5min)
Comment: Conor Foley on Chávez's defeat 

Rory Carroll in Caracas
Monday December 3, 2007
Guardian Unlimited 

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The Venezuelan president, Hugo Chávez, has lost a referendum that would have allowed him to run for re-election indefinitely and enshrined socialism in the country. Voters narrowly rejected the proposed constitutional changes in yesterday's vote, an unprecedented defeat for a leader accustomed to landslides. After a night of political drama, election officials announced the opposition had won 51% and the government 49%, a result that slammed the brakes on Chávez's self-styled revolution. Opposition supporters set off fireworks and poured on to the streets to celebrate what they said was the preservation of democracy from a power-hungry autocrat. Article continues

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The rebuff will oblige Chávez to stand down when his term ends in 2013 rather than continuing to run for office until 2050 as he had hoped. It will also embolden the opposition and open fissures within his movement now that he has proven politically mortal. The president conceded defeat in a televised broadcast minutes after the result was announced at 1.20am Venezuelan time (5.20am GMT). "This was a photo finish," he said. The margin was "microscopic" but he would respect the will of the majority. "I thank you and I congratulate you," Chávez said calmly, referring to his opponents. "I recognise the decision a people have made." Turning to supporters, some of whom were weeping, he added: "Don't feel sad." The former soldier said he would continue his battle to build socialism and that the proposed changes had failed "for now" but were "still alive", suggesting he may try to revive them later. The conciliatory tone was a sharp contrast to his campaign rhetoric, which
denounced his opponents as "fascists", "traitors" and "mental retards". Sceptics said the president played the role of dignified democrat only after frantic backroom talks with senior aides and election officials that delayed the results for hours. Chávez remains extremely popular with the poor majority and dominates Venezuela with the help of surging oil revenues. A shrewd tactician who controls the national assembly, central bank and state-run companies, he has bounced back from lesser setbacks during his eight years in power. Supporters had embraced the proposed changes as a continuation of a radical but peaceful transformation that has put Venezuela at the heart of South America's "pink tide" of leftwing governments. "He has woken us up, the poor," said Oscar Olachea, 35, a member of an agricultural cooperative. The referendum defeat showed a haemorrhage of support of so-called "light chavistas" who like the charismatic leader but are wary of South America's
oil giant turning into a socialist state. The closure of a popular television station earlier this year combined with high inflation and shortages of some food staples soured some against the president. The defection of high-profile loyalists who warned that the proposed changes amounted to a coup also sounded alarm bells. "I've voted for him every time before but not this time, I'm worried where this is headed," said Jonathan Machado, 25, a taxi driver in Barinas. "I want him to stay in office but on a leash." To sweeten the reform Chávez had promised to cut the working day to six hours and grant pensions to housewives and informal workers. He tried to turn the vote into a plebiscite on his rule and said a no vote was a vote for George Bush, an interpretation that would make the US president - whom he has called a donkey, an alcoholic and a war criminal - more popular than him. Chávez's formidable state-backed electoral machine mobilised hardcore supporters but
struggled to combat the apathy and disillusion of softer chavistas. A turnout of 55%, low by Venezuelan standards, showed that many stayed home. "Abstention defeated us," said the president. "It's a lesson for us." Three months ago an opposition victory seemed unthinkable, but a loose coalition of students, small political parties and the Catholic church gained traction.




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