Guide Note

Venezuelan voters defeated a referendum introduced by President Hugo Chavez. The referendum would have amended the constitution by abolishing presidential term limits. The vote marks a victory for those who oppose Chaves' socialist reform agenda.

Fast Facts

1. Vote took place December 2, 2007
2. Poll Results
   1. 51% Opposed the bill
   2. 49% Supported the bill
3. Vote Result: Referendum defeated
4. Key Reform Proposals
   1. Indefinite presidential re-election with 6-7 year terms
   2. Repeal of Central Bank autonomy
   3. Re-organization of administrative districts
   4. Work day cut from 8-6 hours
   5. Voting age lowered from 18-16
   6. Extension of social security benefits
5. 44% of voters abstained from the vote¹

• "I will not withdraw even one comma of this proposal, this proposal is still alive..."
  • — Hugo Chavez, BBC¹

• "Venezuela won today, democracy won today, and I am sure that this victory for the Venezuelan people will have a very important impact in the rest of Latin America"
  • — Leopold Lopez, BBC¹

• "It looks like the people spoke their minds, and they voted against the reforms that Hugo Chavez had recommended and I think that bodes well for the country's future and freedom and liberty"
  • — Dana Perino, BBC¹