Chavez acknowledges opposition advance

The left-wing party of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez may have been victorious overall in local elections at the weekend, but the opposition also has reason to celebrate. They maintain control of two states, but also picked up three more, including the capital Caracas. Chavez said: “To the new governors of Miranda, Zulia and Nueva Esparta, who’ve been elected, I, as head of state, congratulate them and recognise their triumph.” Chavez now controls 17 out of 22 states, but observers say the results could make it more difficult for him to carry out further socialist reforms. The opposition has also won the mayoralty of Caracas. Mayor-elect Antonio Ledezma said: “Let’s work together, Mr President of the Republic, to rescue Caracas from chaos and misery.”