From VenezuelAnalysis, Nov. 5:

Over a hundred thousand Venezuleans marched in support of President Chavez and of his constitutional reform on Sunday, which Chavez described as the most important referendum of his presidency.

Marchers, almost all dressed in red - the color of Venezuela's Bolivarian movement - filled the entire 1.3 km (0.8 mi) Bolivar Avenue and spilled into side streets. The demonstration proceeded without incident and culminated with a three hour speech by Chavez. During the 8.5 km (5.3 mi) march, which passed through most of Caracas, rains poured down on marchers for part of the time.

From AP, Nov. 5:

A longtime ally of President Hugo Chavez who until recently was his military chief condemned constitutional reforms on Monday that would let the leftist leader run for re-election indefinitely.

In a sharp break with Chavez, former Defense Minister Raul Baduel said if the public approves the reforms in a Dec. 2 referendum, "in practice a coup d'etat would be consummated, violating the constitutional text in a shameless way."

The high-profile defection filled Venezuelan TV talk shows with debate — both about the retired general's possible motivations and about whether his objections are echoed within the ranks of the military.

Baduel, who was replaced in July, was a close confidant of Chavez who helped him return to power after a short-lived 2002 coup. But he strongly opposed the constitutional change, saying "it seizes away power from the people."