Chavez: 'Reform timing a mistake'

"Rejected" reads the headlines as Venezuelans digest the result

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has said he may have made a mistake in the timing of his planned constitutional changes, rejected by voters on Sunday.
Mr Chavez, speaking to state TV, said it was possible that Venezuela was not yet mature enough for socialism.

Venezuelans voted 51% to 49% to reject the proposals, the first electoral defeat for Mr Chavez since he came to power in 1998.

The proposed changes included allowing presidential term limits.

Other proposals would have allowed the president to appoint local leaders under a redrawn political map and ended the central bank's autonomy.

Also proposed were a reduction in the working day to six hours, creating a social fund for informal workers, and further establishing community councils where residents can decide how to spend government money.


The fractured opposition managed to mobilise its base

The result surprised both the opposition and government camps.

Opponents to Mr Chavez appeared to have turned out in large numbers after a campaign led by students, who have become the most prominent voices of Venezuelan opposition.

But with an abstention rate of 44%, it seems that while some of Mr Chavez's supporters may still back him, they were less convinced by his proposed reforms.