(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-11-30 14:20

CARACAS, Venezuela -- More than 100,000 people flooded the streets of the capital Thursday to oppose a referendum that would eliminate term limits for President Hugo Chavez.

Opposition protesters gather for a rally against changes to the constitution, proposed by Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, in Caracas, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007. Venezuelans will vote on the changes in a referendum on Dec. 2, 2007. [Agencies]

Blowing whistles, waving placards and shouting "Not like this!" the marchers carried Venezuelan flags and dressed in blue -- the chosen color of the opposition -- as they streamed along Bolivar Avenue.

"This is a movement by those of us who oppose a change to this country's way of life, because what (the referendum) aims to do is impose totalitarianism," said former lawmaker Elias Matta.

No official crowd estimates were available, but opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez said about 160,000 protesters filled the avenue, and thousands more spilled over onto surrounding roads. The rally was among the largest by the opposition in recent years.

The rally marked the close of the opposition's campaign against the proposed constitutional changes, which will be submitted to a vote Sunday. Chavez plans to lead rallies in favor of the reforms Friday.

Venezuelans will vote on 69 proposed changes to nation's 1999 constitution that would, among other things, eliminate presidential term limits, create forms of communal property and give greater power to the presidency.

Chavez denies that the proposals are a bid to seize unchecked power, saying the constitutional overhaul is necessary to give more of a voice to the people through community-based councils.

Rallies for and against the amendments have surged across this South American country in the run-up to the vote, occasionally leading to clashes. There were no immediate reports of violence Thursday.

Chavez's ex-wife, a critic of his administration, said the political strife in Venezuela has turned it in to "time-bomb," given the polarization and the amount of guns on the streets.

"The gun powder is spread, and all it needs is a detonator," said Marisabel Rodriguez in comments to Colombia's Caracol Radio, who worried that any "nonsense" by the opposition or the government could set off a wave of violence.

On Wednesday, hundreds of stone-throwing students clashed with police and the Venezuelan national guard in a protest against the constitutional overhaul. Security forces responded with water cannons and tear gas.

Opposition leaders appeared confident Thursday that they have enough votes to defeat the referendum. Chavez, who was handily re-elected to another six-year term last year, has predicted a "knockout" victory.

Henrique Capriles, mayor of the Caracas borough of Baruta, said even some people who support Chavez are against the constitutional changes.

"If there is transparency, whatever the result, we will recognize it," Capriles said.

But he warned, "We won't put up with a fraudulent process."