Reply #15: Tensions build in Venezuela as Chavez prepares for referendum

[Zorro]

<snip>

Reporting from Bogota, Colombia -- A succession of violent incidents in Venezuela, including the armed takeover of the Caracas city hall, point to an ugly campaign ahead of a Feb. 15 vote that could lift term limits on President Hugo Chavez.

A group of 40 armed men who said they were Chavez supporters were still in control of city hall Monday evening, two days after they forced their way in, handcuffed two security officers and declared the building "recovered for the revolution," a mayoral spokesman said.

A previous referendum on ending term limits was narrowly defeated, and various polls indicate Chavez could lose again. Passage would change the constitution, which currently allows only two presidential terms, to allow unlimited election bids by all elected officials.

Mayor Antonio Ledezma, a Chavez critic who unexpectedly won Caracas' city hall in November, said the government had not moved yet to restore control of the building.

"I have reminded the president that I was elected by the people of Caracas and that he should respect us just as he would be respected," he said.

<snip>

More at: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-cityhall-venezuela20-2009jan20,0,5183178.story?track=rss

Just another phony story from the anti-Chavez MSM, I suppose.