Tensions high as Venezuelans vote on changes that could cement …
Source: PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung) ()
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - President Hugo Chavez would take on expanded powers and have a shot at being president for life under constitutional changes being decided by Venezuelans Sunday in a contentious vote that has raised tensions in South America’s top oil exporter.
Lines snaked outside many polling stations Sunday morning, and Information Minister Willian
Lara said states across the country «have reported a massive turnout.
An emboldened opposition and recent violent clashes involving protesters point to a potentially volatile dispute if the vote is close, as some pollsters predict.
Voters were awakened in Caracas by fireworks exploding in the pre-dawn sky and reveille blaring from speakers mounted on cruising trucks.
«This is transcendental day for Venezuela,» voter Raul Perez said, without revealing whether he was voting «yes» or «no.
Chavez has warned opponents he will not tolerate attempts to stir up violence, and threatened to cut off oil exports to the U.S. if Washington interferes. His country is a major supplier to the United States, which in turn is the No. 1 buyer of Venezuelan oil.
«In the case of an aggression by the United States government, we wouldn’t send any more oil to that country,» Chavez told reporters Saturday. «Forget about our oil.
Chavez, who has become Latin America’s most outspoken antagonist of Washington since he was first elected in 1998, calls the constitutional overhaul vital to making Venezuela a socialist state. He labels those who resist it pawns of U.S. President George W. Bush.
Venezuelans across the political spectrum saw the referendum as a turning point. Some Chavez opponents described it as a protest vote _ and a point of no return.
«This is our last chance to change things,» said Judith Padova, a 57-year-old housewife who lined up among about 300 voters the Caracas neighborhood of Los Ruices.
While the Venezuelan government touts polls showing Chavez ahead, other …