Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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November 3, 2007

Venezuela May Change Constitution to Boost Chavez's Powers
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1A1EB62:A6F02AD83191E1602348F20AE488B64AF47489ACC27D21EE If amendments are
ratified by public next month in a referendum, they will extend Mr.
Chavez's term of office from six to seven years and lift a two-term
limit on the presidency Venezuela's National Assembly has approved
extensive constitutional changes expanding President Hugo Chavez's
power and supporting his plan to turn the oil-rich country into a
socialist state.

The Assembly overwhelmingly approved 69 constitutional changes and
amendments Friday, with all but seven of the chamber's 167 members
voting for the changes.

If the amendments are ratified by the public next month in a
referendum, they will extend Mr. Chavez's term of office from six to
seven years and lift a two-term limit on the presidency.

The proposals also strip the central bank of its autonomy, allow the
state to expropriate private property and give authorities sweeping
powers if a national emergency is declared, including detention
without charges and controls on news media.

Opposition parties, human-rights groups and Roman Catholic Church
leaders in Venezuela oppose the constitutional changes because of the
concentration of power in the president's hands.

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.


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