Nicaragua: Look Who Wants A Referendum?

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A Chavez buddy has plans, and this time it's not Zelaya:

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Nicaraguan leader seeks referendum for reelection

Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega announced Sunday, on the 30th anniversary of the leftist Sandinista revolution he led, that he would seek a referendum to change the constitution to allow him to seek reelection.

Following in the footsteps of elected regional allies, Ortega told thousands of supporters here that he would seek a referendum to let "the people say if they want to reward or punish" their leaders with reelection.

His close leftist allies who have had rules changed enabling them to remain in power include presidents Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, Evo Morales in Bolivia and Rafael Correa in Ecuador.

In the last month President Manuel Zelaya in neighboring Honduras was ousted in a coup by his own military after seeking similar action.

The BBC has a video report.

However, disaffected Sandinistas say Daniel Ortega has become a dictator, accusing Ortega of abandoning the revolution while advancing personal power.

Now Ortega wants a referendum to extend his term. Call it the electoral wash-rinse-repeat cycle.

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