Venezuelans vote down Chavez's package of constitutional reforms

Published: 2007-12-03

CARACAS, Venezuela (CNS) -- A package of constitutional reforms proposed by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez that would have increased the president's powers and established a "socialist economy" was defeated narrowly by voters. Retired Archbishop Ramon Perez Morales of Los Teques said the Dec. 3 vote "opens a new chapter in the nation's history, a chapter which must be characterized by the word 'meeting.' Venezuela must not be the same as before." It was the first defeat for Chavez at the polls in nearly a decade. Chavez called the opposition victory "pyrrhic" and resolved to move the nation toward socialism using other means. Archbishop Roberto Luckert Leon of Coro, vice president of the Venezuelan bishops' conference, called on Venezuelans to be careful Chavez does not use other means to expand his powers. He urged the opposition to unite behind the strongest candidates for governor and municipal offices in upcoming regional elections.

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