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The President of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, is a highly controversial figure both inside and outside his country. A socialist and anti-imperialist rhetorician, Chávez has this year put forward a proposal to reform the constitution. Voters will decide the matter at a referendum this coming Sunday, 2 December.

Amongst other things, the reform includes a proposal to abolish the limit on the number of times a president can be re-elected (currently, a president is only allowed one re-election) and to increase the presidential term from six to seven years. Chávez is also seeking to limit the autonomy of the Central Bank, to reduce the working day from eight to six hours, and also, to restrict freedom of information in the event of a state of emergency.

The reform of the constitution, which makes amendments to a total of 69 articles, has stirred up a significant amount of political controversy. Chávez and his followers claim the reform is essential to strengthen the hold of socialism in the country, although opponents see it as anti-democratic and a move to give the president authority to remain in power indefinitely. Groups against the proposal include businessmen and women, the Catholic Church and students' groups who held demonstrations several months ago against the decision to deny renewal of Radio Caracas Televisión's broadcasting licence. (It should be said, however, that there have also been student demonstrations in support of the plans to reform the constitution.)

Either way, Chávez does not, by any means, have the support of everyone. If a few weeks ago victory appeared to be going to those in favour of the proposal, the latest opinion polls give the edge to the no camp.