Vote will let Chávez run again

President Hugo Chávez scored a major victory Sunday when Venezuelans lifted term limits so he can run for reelection in 2012 and perhaps beyond.

Chávez’s measure won 54.3 percent of the vote, according to the national election board. Televised images showed Chávez supporters celebrating while fireworks boomed across the Caracas sky.

”Chávez, friend, the people are with you,” the president’s adoring supporters, wearing their trademark red T-shirts, chanted outside the presidential palace. Standing on a balcony, Chávez led the festive crowd in singing Venezuela’s national anthem. ”It is a clear victory for the people!” an exultant Chávez said. “It is a clear victory for the Revolution!”

Poor Venezuela.