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Chavez backers rally for reforms Chavez urges reform for Venezuela
(about 2 hours later)
Thousands of Venezuelans are holding a final rally of support before Sunday's referendum on President Hugo Chavez's proposed constitutional reforms. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has urged voters to approve constitutional changes in a referendum on Sunday.
Mr Chavez is to address the rally in Caracas, calling on voters to back the plans he says are necessary to further Venezuela's socialist revolution. Addressing tens of thousands of supporters at a rally in Caracas, he also threatened to stop oil supplies to the US if it tried to disrupt the vote.
Reforms include allowing the indefinite re-election of the president. The reforms include allowing abolishing presidential term limits and ending the autonomy of the Central Bank.
Critics say the changes amount to a power grab but supporters say the reforms would deepen democracy. Mr Chavez said the proposed changes would return power to the people, but critics accuse him of a power grab.
On Thursday, a huge crowd gathered in the capital to voice their opposition to the planned changes. Mr Chavez said that his opponents could try to sabotage the vote, with backing from Washington, through violent protests.
He said: "If this [referendum] is used as a pretext to start violence in Venezuela, Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez on Monday will order that oil exports to North America be stopped."
He added that troops had been sent to "protect" the country's oil fields.
KEY PROPOSALS Indefinite re-election of president, term increased from 6 to 7 yearsCentral Bank's autonomy endedStructure of country's administrative districts reorganisedMaximum working day cut from 8 hours to 6Voting age lowered from 18 to 16Social security benefits extended to workers in informal sector Q&A: Venezuela's referendum Send your commentsKEY PROPOSALS Indefinite re-election of president, term increased from 6 to 7 yearsCentral Bank's autonomy endedStructure of country's administrative districts reorganisedMaximum working day cut from 8 hours to 6Voting age lowered from 18 to 16Social security benefits extended to workers in informal sector Q&A: Venezuela's referendum Send your comments
Supporters of the "Yes" campaign are holding their final rally in the same spot in central Caracas. Mr Chavez has accused Washington of conspiring to topple his government and possibly backing plots to assassinate him. US officials have called the accusations ridiculous.
On Sunday, voters will be asked whether they agree with a package of constitutional reforms.On Sunday, voters will be asked whether they agree with a package of constitutional reforms.
Opinion polls have suggested that the result could be close, although surveys in the past have tended to underestimate the level of support Mr Chavez enjoys.
Mr Chavez proposed 33 changes, and the National Assembly, which is composed of his supporters, put forward a further 36 amendments.Mr Chavez proposed 33 changes, and the National Assembly, which is composed of his supporters, put forward a further 36 amendments.
His opponents have called for close monitoring of the ballot. Opinion polls have suggested that the result could be close, although surveys in the past have tended to underestimate the level of support Mr Chavez enjoys.
The BBC's Americas editor, Emilio San Pedro, says the elections are expected to be as free and fair as all previous ones since Mr Chavez came to power in 1998.The BBC's Americas editor, Emilio San Pedro, says the elections are expected to be as free and fair as all previous ones since Mr Chavez came to power in 1998.
Working weekWorking week
One proposal is to allow the president to stand for re-election an indefinite number of times. Venezuela's national assembly voted through the reform packageMr Chavez has said he is prepared to serve for life as long as the people want it. Under the current constitution, he would have to stand down when his term expires at the end of 2012. One proposal is to allow the president to stand for re-election an indefinite number of times.
Venezuela's national assembly voted through the reform packageSpeaking on Friday, Mr Chavez said: "If God gives me life and help, I will be at the head of the government until 2050." He would be 95 years old.
Under the current constitution, Mr Chavez would have to stand down when his term expires at the end of 2012.
Other changes up for approval include giving the president control over the central bank, the creation of new provinces governed by centrally-appointed officials, and a reduction in the voting age from 18 to 16.Other changes up for approval include giving the president control over the central bank, the creation of new provinces governed by centrally-appointed officials, and a reduction in the voting age from 18 to 16.
There are also proposals to expand presidential powers during natural disasters or political "emergencies".There are also proposals to expand presidential powers during natural disasters or political "emergencies".
On the social front, changes include establishing a maximum six-hour working day and 36-hour working week, and widening social security benefit to workers in the informal economy.On the social front, changes include establishing a maximum six-hour working day and 36-hour working week, and widening social security benefit to workers in the informal economy.
A number of defections from the president's camp have encouraged opponents, but Mr Chavez has dismissed these one-time allies as traitors.A number of defections from the president's camp have encouraged opponents, but Mr Chavez has dismissed these one-time allies as traitors.