Chavez Nearing Decree Powers as Opposition Lawmakers Jump Fence
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Hugo Chavez’s coalition in the National Assembly is one vote short of the three-fifths majority needed to grant the Venezuelan president sweeping powers to pass laws without congressional approval.
The ruling alliance has 98 of 165 lawmakers in the assembly after opposition deputy Hernan Nunez said Feb. 5 he was switching sides. He joins lawmakers William Ojeda and David Paraqueima, who switched allegiance last year.