Chavez loses constitutional vote
IAN JAMES, Associated Press
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071203/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/venezuela_constitution
CARACAS, Venezuela - President Hugo Chavez suffered a stinging defeat in a vote on constitutional changes that would have let him run for re-election indefinitely, the chief of National Electoral Council said Monday.
Voters defeated the sweeping measures by a vote of 51 percent to 49 percent, Tibisay Lucena said. Turnout was just 56 percent, Lucena said.
Chavez called it a “photo finish” immediately after the results were announced.
The referendum on constitutional changes was a critical test for a leader bent on turning this major U.S. oil provider into a socialist state. An emboldened opposition and clashes during student-led protests in recent weeks had prompted fears of bitter conflict in Chavez’s closest race in years.
“President Hugo Chavez suffered a stinging defeat...”
What a beautiful phrase. Thanks for the link, and thanks to all for the links.
Once again, you heard it first at Free Republic! Some guy at AP probably saw the thread, spilled his coffee and made a call.