URGENT - Chavez wins vote to scrap term limits in Venezuela

NIKO PRICE, Associated Press Writer

February 15, 2009 6:17 PM

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Venezuela's elections chief says President Hugo Chavez has won a referendum to eliminate term limits, paving the way for him to run again in 2012.

National Electoral Council chief Tibisay Lucena says with 94 percent of the vote counted, 54 percent have backed the president's proposal. That trend is irreversible.

Firecrackers exploded as pro-Chavez caravans circled the city with horns blaring after the announcement Sunday night. Chavez appeared on the balcony of his presidential palace to sing the national anthem.

AP-WS-02-15-09 2112EST