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Venezuela votes on presidential term limits

CARACAS: Venezuelans were deciding whether to cast off term limits on President Hugo Chavez — and all other elected officials — on Sunday in a tightly fought referendum.

Critics say removing term limits would distort democracy by enabling a President to stay in power for decades, while Mr. Chavez — first elected in 1998 — said the proposed constitutional amendment would deepen democracy by giving voters more choice. He pointed out that Franklin Roosevelt was elected U.S. President four times.

“Ten years is nothing. I don’t know what they’re complaining about,” he said on Saturday.

Pre-election polls show the race is tight, and those waiting to cast their ballots said the future of their country was at stake.

Yira Guerra (52) said thanks to Mr. Chavez, her two children have access to free higher education. “My son has obtained a bachelor’s degree,” Ms. Guerra said proudly, adding that she feared such advances would be stemmed under another leader.

Others say allowing Mr. Chavez to extend his time in office even if he has to win repeated elections is dangerous. Without a constitutional amendment, Mr. Chavez will have to leave office in 2013. — AP

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