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Photo: AP
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez
Photo: AP
Venezuelans celebrate Cahvez's reelection
Photo: Chavez supporters

Iran, Arab MK congratulate Chavez

Tehran congratulates Venezuelan president on his reelection; MK Barakeh send letter of congratulations saying victory proves people's rejection of US policy

Leftist Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez won re-election by a wide margin, giving him free reign for a more radical turn toward socialism and six more years to counter US influence in Latin America and beyond.

 

Challenger Manuel Rosales conceded defeat but vowed to remain in opposition, resisting a leader he accuses of edging Venezuela toward authoritarian rule.

 

Minutes after the results of Sunday's election were announced, Chavez appeared on the presidential palace's main balcony singing the national anthem. He pledged to deepen his effort to transform Venezuela into a more egalitarian society.


Chavez celebrates victory (Photo: Reuters)

 

"Long live the socialist revolution! Destiny has been written," Chavez shouted to thousands of flag-waving

supporters wearing red shirts and braving a pouring rain.

 

"That new era has begun," he declared with religious fervor, raising a hand in the air.

 

 "We have shown that Venezuela is red! ... No one should fear … socialism. Socialism is human. Socialism is love."

 

Chavez forged an alliance with Iran, who rushed to congratulate him on his election victory.

 

A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry described the victory as an articulation of the Venezuelan people's rejection of US policies.

 

"The election of free people in Venezuela and Latin America is a testimony to the will of people in the area to strengthen their independence and a rejection of the aggressive policy of the United States," the spokesperson said.

 

Hadash Chairman MK Ahmed Barakeh sent a letter of congratulation to Chavez for his reelection.

 

"Chavez's victory proves that depends … on the United States is not the fate of peoples," Barakeh said.

 

The former paratrooper called his victory a blow to US President George W. Bush, whose government he calls dangerously imperialistic.

 

"It's another defeat for the devil, who tries to dominate the world," Chavez told his adoring masses. "Down with imperialism! We need a new world!."

 

Eyeing third term 

Even before polls closed, Chavez supporters celebrated in the streets, setting off fireworks and cruising Caracas honking horns and shouting "Chavez isn't going anywhere!"

 

Since he first won office in 1998, Chavez has increasingly dominated all branches of government and his allies now control congress, state offices and the judiciary. Current law prevents him from running again in 2012 but he has said he plans to seek constitutional reforms that would include an end to presidential term limits.

 

He has increasingly posed a challenge to the United States, while leading a growing bloc of Latin American leftists influencing elections across the region, and allying himself with US enemies like Iran and Syria.

 

Chavez has also used Venezuela's oil wealth to his political advantage. He has channeled oil profits toward multibillion-dollar programs for the poor including subsidized food, free university education and cash benefits for single mothers. He has also helped allies from Cuba to Bolivia with oil and petrodollars.

 

He now promises to solidify his social program.

 

With 78 percent of voting stations reporting, Chavez had 61 percent to 38 percent for challenger Rosales.

 

Final turnout figures among the 15.9 million eligible voters weren't available but an official bulletin of partial results showed turnout at 75 percent, making Chavez's lead insurmountable.

 

AFP and Ilan Marciano contributed to this report

 


פרסום ראשון: 12.04.06, 12:49
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