12-5-07, 9:00 pm

Havana, Dec 4 (acn) Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Monday that he would continue to raise the banner of socialism in his country, waiting for the day when history would allow it to reach its greatest height.

Speaking on the Dando y Dando Venezuelan TV program, Chavez reflected on the close defeat Sunday of his constitutional reform proposal and noted that abstention proved the greatest enemy of the reforms.

'We didn't even get the number of votes of all the members of the United Socialist Party,' said Chavez who noted the experience merits a reflection on what went wrong and why three million followers of his government stayed home instead of going to the polls.

'Let's rally; let's study more to better understand socialism,' said Chavez after analyzing the reasons why his initiative was defeated. He said that his initial conclusion after hearing the results was that the people were not ready to take such a big leap towards this model.

President Chavez was buoyed up by the fact that nearly 50 percent voted YES for socialism, and three million people who abstained didn't say NO. He said that while an opportunity had been lost, the rhythm and the government program will continue on course.

'Beyond the media bombardment and our shortcomings --our inability to properly explain and coming up short in our communications strategy--, I might have chosen the wrong moment to put forth this proposal,' said Chavez.

Nonetheless, he said his government would continue to make social reforms where permitted by the constitution and will prepare to present the proposal again when the right conditions for doing so exist.

Chavez concluded his statements saying, 'We didn't fail with this proposal, nor do we have to find another. The proposal is there, and it is positive, even for many who voted against it.'

From The Cuban News Agency