Changes to Venezuela constitution could keep Hugo Chavez in power for years

Venezuela's government has approved amendments to the electoral charter to allow president Hugo Chavez to run for re-election indefinitely, in a move that could keep the socialist president in power for years to come. Allies of Mr Chavez, who hold a large majority in the 167-seat National Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of lifting term limits for all elected officials, the final step before the proposal goes before voters in a referendum.

The move comes as Venezuela broke off diplomatic relations with Israel yesterday to protest its military offensive in Gaza, a week after President Chavez's government expelled the Israeli ambassador in Caracas, Shlomo Cohen and seven embassy staff.

Mr Chavez, who was first elected to power in 1998 is barred under the constitution from seeking re-election in 2010. But he has tried repeatedly to scrap the current rules to stay in power. In December 2007, voters rejected a package of reforms that would have ended presidential term limits, among other proposed changes.

Congressman Luis Tascon of New Revolutionary Road, a splinter pro-Chavez
party, said he voted for the amendments because a suitable successor to Chavez
had not emerged. "Given that reality, I'll stay with Chavez," Mr Tascon
said.

Juan Molina, one of the assembly's few opposition-aligned lawmakers, called
the proposal undemocratic. "Indefinite re-election is contrary to democratic
principles;" said Mr Molina.

Hundreds of students called on Venezuelans to vote down the proposal during protests outside several universities in Caracas.

Election officials have said they do not expect to make changes to voter rolls before the referendum is held, possibly as early as February 15.

Venezuela's decision to break off diplomatic relations with Israel followed an announcement by Bolivian President Evo Morales said he was severing relations with Israel. Both countries have announced their intention to denounce Israel's military acion at the International Criminal Court in the Hague. Mr Chavez, who has strong ties with a number of Arab nations, has been a vocal critic of Israel which he accuses of acting as an arm of Washington.