Chavez eyes power until 2031

2012-01-28 10:57

Caracas - Hugo Chavez, the left-wing populist president of Venezuela who stands for re-election in October, wants to remain in power until 2031.

"I will do everything I can - politically and physically - to stay here until 2031; with democratic support from 2013 to 2019; 2019 to 2025; and 2025 to 2031. It will of course depend on the people of Venezuela," the 57-year-old told journalists Friday in Caracas.

On February 2, Chavez will celebrate his 13th year in power. He stands for re-election on October 7.

The socialist declared that Venezuela had never in its 200-year history experienced such a democratic process as today under his leadership.

"They call me the tyrant, the putschist. They are the putschists, I am a rebel," he said.

The Venezuelan opposition plans to choose its candidate in public primary voting on February 12. There are six candidates, including Miranda state governor Henrique Capriles and a member of parliament Corina Machado.

- SAPA