Opposition Scores Key Gains in Venezuela Election

But president's backers retain majority of power

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 24, 2008 8:55 AM CST

(Newser) – President Hugo Chávez’s supporters held onto a strong majority in yesterday’s local elections in Venezuela, but the opposition party won a number of key victories, the AP reports. Chávez backers won 17 of 22 gubernatorial seats, while the opposition took the mayor’s office in Caracas and won in three of the most populous states, including major oil site Zulia, the New York Times reports.

The opposition victories “came in the economic and political centers of the country,” an analyst explains, and they put the opposition in charge of about a third of the population. At issue for many was continuing violent crime and towering food prices. Still, Chàvez backers will maintain their grip on the Supreme Court, the National Assembly, the federal bureaucracy, and all state companies, the Times notes.

[Images (5)]

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Opposition supporters celebrate after the National Electoral Council announced their candidate Pablo Perez was elected governor of Zulia state in Maracaibo, Venezuela, early Monday, Nov 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Reinaldo D'Santiago)

Zulia's Governor Manuel Rosales, left, celebrates with Zulia's governor-elect Plablo Perez after the National Electoral Council announced results of state and city elections in Maracaibo, Venezuela. (AP Photo/reinaldo D'Santiago)

Voters wait in line to cast their ballots in regional elections outside a polling station in Caracas, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

Young supporters of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez peer from a car after the National Electoral Council announced the results of state and city elections in Caracas, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez holds a miniature copy of his country's constitution as he speaks during a news conference after election results were announced, early Monday, Nov. 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

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The people are telling me: 'Chávez, continue down the same road.' - President Hugo Chávez

I am tired of Chávez treating the entire country as if it were his military barracks. - Voter Heriberto González

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Opposition Scores Key Gains in Venezuela Election