Key dates in Hugo Chavez’s political life
Oct 8, 2012, 6:07 PM
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) – Key events in Hugo Chavez’s political life:
Feb. 4, 1992 _ Army paratrooper Lt. Col. Chavez leads botched coup against President Carlos Andres Perez.
March 26, 1994 _ After two years in jail, Chavez and fellow plotters set free when President Rafael Caldera dismisses charges.
Dec. 6, 1998 _ Chavez wins presidential election, promising to seek “third way” between socialism and capitalism.
Dec. 15, 1999 _ Venezuelans vote to accept a Chavez-backed constitution. It changes country’s name to Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, lengthens presidential term from five years to six.
July 30, 2000 _ Elected to new six-year term.
April 11, 2002 _ Gunfire erupts as protesters demanding Chavez’s resignation march toward presidential palace; 19 people killed. Dissident generals oust Chavez. Interim government throws out constitution.
April 14, 2002 _ After huge protests by Chavez supporters, loyal army officers rescue Chavez, restore him to power.
Aug. 15, 2004 _ Venezuelans overwhelmingly vote “no” in referendum asking if Chavez should leave office immediately.
Dec. 14, 2004 _ Chavez signs agreement with Fidel Castro that evolves into leftist Bolivarian Alliance bloc as other Latin American and Caribbean nations join.
Sept. 7, 2005 _ Creates Petrocaribe agreement to sell oil on preferential credit terms to more than dozen countries.
Dec. 4, 2005 _ President’s allies win all 167 seats in legislature as opposition parties boycott election.
Dec. 3, 2006 _ Re-elected to six-year term, capturing 63 percent of vote.
Dec. 2, 2007 _ Voters reject constitutional amendments proposed by Chavez, setback for his drive to transform Venezuela into socialist state.
Feb. 15, 2009 _ Chavez wins referendum that allows him to run for re-election indefinitely and vows to remain in power for at least another decade.
Sept. 27, 2010 _ In congressional elections, Chavez’s allies lose two-thirds majority that has allowed them to ignore opponents in rewriting fundamental laws and appointing key officials. His allies retain majority.
Dec. 17, 2010 _ Outgoing congress grants Chavez power to enact laws by decree for 18 months.
June 10, 2011 _ Chavez undergoes surgery in Cuba for pelvic abscess.
Feb. 26, 2012 _ Chavez has second operation to remove tumor from same location in pelvic region.
July 9, 2012 _ Chavez announces he is “totally free” of cancer.
Oct. 7, 2012 _ Chavez wins new six-year term with 55 percent of vote.
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