"Venezuela is demonstrating that a new and better world is possible,
and we are building it." Emboldened by a resounding re-election, President
Hugo Chavez pledged to shake up Venezuela with a more radical version of
socialism and forge a wider front against the United States in Latin America.
Touting his victory in a speech to thousands, Chavez said Venezuelans should
expect an "expansion of the
revolution" aimed at redistributing the country's oil wealth among the
poor. With 78 percent of voting stations reporting, Chavez had 61 percent of
the vote, to 38 percent for his challenger. Chavez has won a loyal following
among the poor through multibillion-dollar social programs including subsidized
food, free university education and cash benefits for single mothers.Chavez, who says he sees Fidel Castro as a father,
dedicated his victory to the ailing 80-year-old Cuban leader, and called it a
blow against President Bush. "It's another defeat for the devil, who tries to dominate the
world," Chavez told the crowd of red-shirted supporters, who listened to
him under pouring rain. "Down with imperialism. We need a new world."
Monday, 04 December 2006 00:05
Chavez Re-elected
"Long live the revolution!" Chavez the newly
reelected Hugo Chavez from the balcony of the presidential palace.