If this is true, why has Chavez fought tooth and nail to keep a referendum from happening?
Good point. In a truly democratic society, there is no use for kings, emperors, strong men, or lifetime populist rulership. No exectutive leader is "indespensible." The public changes its mind as often as the wind changes direction. Chavez knows even if he had popularity, the winds of change could take it away. Since he's actually a Castro-style dictator, there's no way he'll risk such a loss until it can't be avoided. Once the law dictates a new election, he'll make up an excuse to avoid that, too.