Honduras congress votes to allow referendums on term limits, re-election

[Judi Lynn]

Honduras congress votes to allow referendums on term limits, re-election
FREDDY CUEVAS
Associated Press
10:20 p.m. EST, January 13, 2011

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) — Honduras' congress has approved a measure that may allow referendums on once-taboo subjects like re-election and term limits, the hot-button issues behind the coup that ousted President Manuel Zelaya in 2009.

There is a measure of irony in the changes approved Wednesday night: Congress justified the removal of the leftist Zelaya in large part on his attempt to hold a referendum that might allow presidential re-election. The interim leaders held firm despite international sanctions and aid cutoffs.

But with new President Porfirio Lobo in place, Honduran officials seem less vehement about the issue. Lobo, like Zelaya, has denied wanting to change the law so he could seek re-election.

The current constitution flatly says there can be no amendment "in any way" on the prohibition against presidential re-election. It says trying that can be grounds for loss of citizenship.

More:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-lt-honduras-referendum,0,2381696.story