No word yet out of Venzuela on whether they will have a new dictator for life:

Hugo Chavez sought to cement his power Sunday in a vote on constitutional reforms that could let him remain president for life, a critical test for a leader bent on turning this major U.S. oil provider into a socialist state.

Two pro-Chavez officials told The Associated Press their exit polls show a victory for the reforms, but an opposition campaign official said its poll shows Chavez headed for defeat. All spoke on condition of anonymity because of election rules barring the early release of results.

Opponents fear a plunge toward dictatorship. Supporters have full faith that Chavez will use the reforms to deepen grass-roots democracy and more equitably spread the wealth.

Can someone please explain to me how having a "President for Life", who will never have to run for re-election, could deepen "grass roots democracy"... or any other kind of democracy for that matter?