Key Dates in Hugo Chavez's Political Life Key events in Hugo Chavez's political life: Feb. 4, 1992 - Army paratrooper Lt. Col. Chavez leads botched coup against President Carlos Andres Perez. March 26, 1994 - After two years in jail, Chavez and fellow plotters set free when President Rafael Caldera dismisses charges. Dec. 6, 1998 - Chavez wins presidential election, promising to seek "third way" between socialism and capitalism. Dec. 15, 1999 - Venezuelans vote to accept a Chavez-backed constitution. It changes country's name to Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, lengthens presidential term from five years to six. July 30, 2000 - Elected to new six-year term. April 11, 2002 - Gunfire erupts as protesters demanding Chavez's resignation march toward presidential palace; 19 people killed. Dissident generals oust Chavez. Interim government throws out constitution. April 14, 2002 - After huge protests by Chavez supporters, loyal army officers rescue Chavez, restore him to power. Aug. 15, 2004 - Venezuelans overwhelmingly vote "no" in referendum asking if Chavez should leave office immediately. Dec. 14, 2004 - Chavez signs agreement with Fidel Castro that evolves into leftist Bolivarian Alliance bloc as other Latin American and Caribbean nations join. 7, 2005 - Creates Petrocaribe agreement to sell oil on preferential credit terms to more than dozen countries. Dec. 4, 2005 - President's allies win all 167 seats in legislature as opposition parties boycott election. Dec. 3, 2006 - Re-elected to six-year term, capturing 63 percent of vote. Dec. 2, 2007 - Voters reject constitutional amendments proposed by Chavez, setback for his drive to transform Venezuela into socialist state. Feb. 15, 2009 - Chavez wins referendum that allows him to run for re-election indefinitely and vows to remain in power for at least another decade. 27, 2010 - In congressional elections, Chavez's allies lose two-thirds majority that has allowed them to ignore opponents in rewriting fundamental laws and appointing key officials. His allies retain majority. Dec. 17, 2010 - Outgoing congress grants Chavez power to enact laws by decree for 18 months. June 10, 2011 - Chavez undergoes surgery in Cuba for pelvic abscess. Feb. 26, 2012 - Chavez has second operation to remove tumor from same location in pelvic region. July 9, 2012 - Chavez announces he is "totally free" of cancer. Oct. 7, 2012 - Chavez wins new six-year term with 55 percent of vote.