Chavez Proposes Changes to Constitution...

Chavez Proposes Changes to Constitution

Updated 9:09 PM ET August 15, 2007

By CHRISTOPHER TOOTHAKER
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - President Hugo Chavez presented his proposal Wednesday for constitutional reforms that are expected to allow him to be re-elected indefinitely.

Chavez, speaking to the National Assembly, said the changes affect "less than 10 percent" of the constitution but would bring Venezuela "new horizons for the new era."

Chavez, who is seeking to transform Venezuelan society along socialist lines, waved to a crowd of cheering supporters as he walked into the legislature with fireworks exploding overhead.

Chavez's political allies firmly control the National Assembly, which is expected to approve the plan within months. It then would have to be approved by citizens in a national referendum.

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