MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chavez promises supporters “elected” president for life

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez promised that if he wins the coming December election he will call a referendum in 2010 on his administration, and if positive will propose a constitutional review to end the two consecutive periods' reelection limit.

Since taking office in 1999 President Chavez had the Constitution reformed so as to allow for two presidential consecutive re-elections.

During a political rally on his return from a world tour with a last stop in Havana to visit his good friend and mentor Fidel Castro, Chavez said that on February 2010, third year of his second mandate, if he's re-elected next December 3 he would call the referendum.

"Do you agree that Hugo Chavez should continue as president of Venezuela? Yes or no, the people will decide", said the Venezuelan leader wearing his traditional red shirt before thousands of followers cheering his name and approving the initiative.

"Second question: if the reply to the first question is positive, do you agree that Hugo Chavez should be re-elected for another mandate?, Yes or No", he said while the crowd roared Yes. He will then promote a constitutional reform so there are no limits to the consecutive re-election of a president.

In the rally which was the kick off for his reelection bid, Chavez quoted from a public opinion survey by market research Datanalisis published this week in Caracas which showed him leading with 56.8% compared to 11.8% for his main opposition rival and Zula state governor Manuel Rosales.

Chavez accused his competitors for the presidency of being "candidates for the North American empire" and of "Mr. Danger Devil" as he calls U.S. President George W. Bush, whom he has also describes as a "terrorist, genocide and madman".

Diplomatic relations between Venezuela and the United States are marked by constant mutual accusations, with Chavez calling Washington "imperialist and interventionist," and the White House accusing Caracas of "totalitarian intentions", "destabilizing the region" and an "anti-American" spirit.

Next December third, 16 million Venezuelans will be electing the president who will lead the country from 2007 to 2013.

In related news last Friday President Chavez replaced his brother Adan for former Foreign Affairs minister Ali Rodriguez as new ambassador in Havana.

"I've named as Ambassador in Cuba Ali Rodriguez who is undergoing health problems and we must look after him", said President Chavez.