CARACAS: President Hugo Chavez announced on Friday a referendum on the question of allowing indefinite presidential re-elections in Venezuela to be held in 2010 and a plan for a socialist state.

The year 2010 would come three years into Mr Chavez’ next term, assuming he is re-elected in three months.

“In the year 2010, when I am three years into my next term, I will call a referendum. I will call a referendum to ask Venezuelans at least two questions,” he said.

Re-election would require an amendment of the constitution, which was written and ratified under his careful watch.

He added that his new presidential term would mark a new phase of his economic and political plan, to transform Venezuela into the Venezuelan Socialist Republic.—AFP