Caracas
Thousands of Venezuelans celebrated in the streets of Caracas last week after election officials said President Hugo Chavez would likely face a recall vote. The demonstrators, who accuse Chavez of trying to impose a Cuba-style dictatorship, waved banners saying, “Your Time Is Nearly Up!” Electoral authorities said the opposition appeared to have gathered enough signatures on petitions to force a referendum. Chavez, who survived a coup attempt in April 2002, had tried to thwart the recall. But he told throngs of supporters he now welcomed the chance to affirm his popularity. “I’m happy that instead of coups, the opposition is planning a democratic referendum,” Chavez said. “Now is when the game begins.”
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