One of the disturbing things about President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela is his publicly expressed support for Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. And it was when Mugabe lost a referendum over constitutional changes that would have increased his powers and extended his term of office indefinitely that his regime of repression really began in Zimbabwe.
One hopes that Chavez does not follow Mugabe's example.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has conceded defeat in a referendum that aimed at expanding his power, saying he cannot do it for now.
Chavez admitted his defeat in a weekend referendum in a media conference broadcast live Sunday.
"I don't feel sad, no, I don't feel sad," he said, stressing that there were "minimal differences" in the final result, put at 51 percent against and 49 percent in favor moments earlier by the National Electoral Council.
The reforms would let Chavez run for re-election indefinitely, control foreign currency reserves, appoint loyalists over regional elected officials, and censor the media if he declares an emergency.
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clipped from www.presstv.ir
