A Big Day for Chavez

There has been a lot of discussion on this blog concerning today's voting in Venezuela. As others stated, the results will determine whether or not Chavez can run for office indefinitely and 68 other proposed amendments to the Venezuelan constitution. It seems that the main concern in this election is fairness. So far in polls about 69% of Venezuelans oppose eliminating term limits. Opponents still fear that the measure may pass because people who do not support Chavez do not want to legitimize these elections by showing up at polls. I definitely understand why they are concerned given that several independent studies have shown polling equipment is susceptible to tampering. It doesn't help that since winning the presidency in 1998 Chavez hasn't really lost at anything. The ads on TV have played up the social benefits tied up in the deal, such as reducing the work week, while not mentioning the magnitude to which it would expand Chavez's powere. Read about it: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2004047658_venezuela02.html