From the Guardian:

President Hugo Chávez is encountering unexpectedly strong opposition to a referendum on constitutional reform which would cement his rule in Venezuela, with violent clashes between rival demonstrations and security forces feeding a mood that the country is at a turning point.

According to opinion polls, the socialist leader could lose this Sunday's vote amid unease over his radical policies and ambition to stay in power for decades.

Defections from his movement's ranks and food shortages have galvanised a student-led opposition campaign which is due to climax at a final rally in downtown Caracas today.

The people of Venezuela seem less fond of Chávez than his fans in Europe and North America want us to believe. I don't want to appear too optimistic, but I truly hope the Chávez camp loses the referendum on Sunday. It would be a disaster otherwise.