Caracas - Venezuela's parliament has paved the way for a planned referendum on changes to the constitution that would allow President Hugo Chavez unlimited terms of office.

The National Assembly on Wednesday night approved in a second and final reading the referendum for a constitutional amendment that would allow not only Chavez, but all of Venezuela's governors, members of parliament and mayors to seek re-election over an unlimited period.

The national electoral council was due on Friday to set the date for the new referendum, which had been planned for February 15.

Under the present constitution, Chavez's second term ends in February 2013 without the chance of re-election. (dpa)