Hugo Chavez is such a poser.

Ajazeera English Article.

He is. He goes on, and on, and on about Democratic reforms when what he really wants is to be a dictator. The people voted, Chavez. In 2007 Venezuelans voted and said that no - you are not to be in office forever. Even Putin at least changed his title while hanging on to power. Suave, Putin is. If you want to hang on to power, take power, dammit. Or, if your real fear is watching the opposition ruin your reforms and reverse your process then nominate someone for the next election who you think will do a good job. Not a puppet - those never work, but someone who can keep you in power.

You have to remember that if you want this democracy to last, you're not going to be in power forever. Eventually you will die (if you pass this referendum), and the country won't be able to move on. There will be a power vacuum. Those suck. So, Chavez, if you really want the democracy to succeed think about the future, not about the now.