Venezuela's National Assembly has taken a key step in allowing President Hugo Chavez and other elected officials to seek re-election indefinitely.
Lawmakers have approved a controversial constitutional amendment that eliminates limits on how many times elected officials can serve.
The amendment must now be submitted to referendum within 30 days.
Voters rejected a similar referendum to lift term limits in 2007.
President Chavez has urged voters to approve the measure so he can seek a third term in 2012.
Mr. Chavez has said he wants to move Venezuela toward what he calls 21st century socialism.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP
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