Venezuela leader declares referendum 'cannot fail'

Caracas: Rallies for and against constitutional changes proposed by President Hugo Chavez surged on Tuesday as the Venezuelan leader declared that a weekend referendum on the proposed charter "cannot fail."

Such gatherings have increased tensions ahead of Sunday's referendum on reforms that would allow Chavez indefinite re-election, increase presidential terms from six to seven years and help the Venezuelan leader establish socialism in Venezuela.

While Chavez appeared before supporters to urge Venezuelans to approve the referendum and "open the path to a new nation," opponents held at least two protests and one of his ex-wives even held a press conference to urge voters to reject the slate of changes.

In Caracas, about 300 placard-waving students gathered outside the Catholic University Andres Bello, occupying a highway for four hours and causing rush-hour traffic jams, to urge Venezuelans to vote "no" on Sunday. The students contend the new constitution would give Chavez authoritarian powers.

Freedom

"We students will keep coming out onto the street to demand freedom and democracy," said Roberto Diaz, a 21-year-old law student at the university. Dozens of police and national guard monitored the demonstration that ended Tuesday evening without incident.

At the same time, about 5,000 mainly female Chavez supporters gathered in a stadium west of Caracas to back the referendum campaign.

"The women in this process have much to gain and nothing to lose," said Chavez supporter Luzbelia Marin.

In Puerto La Cruz, 240 kilometres east of Caracas, at least 300 students protesting the referendum clashed with Chavez supporters outside the private Santa Maria University, police said. Some Chavez supporters appeared to have guns, an officer said.