Venezuela votes

By Michael J.W. Stickings

Hugo Chavez has been re-elected in Venezuela, easily defeating challenger Manuel Rosales in yesterday's presidential election. With 78 percent of the vote counted, Chavez was ahead 61.3 to 38.4.

And Chavez was as humble as always: "Long live the socialist revolution! Destiny has been written... We have shown that Venezuela is red!... No one should fear socialism... Socialism is human. Socialism is love... Down with imperialism! We need a new world!"

Sure, as long as that new world can by tyrannized over by Chavez himself. And make no mistake about it: Chavez may have won a "democratic" election, but he's still a tyrant who bribes and oppresses the people.

**********

There's some excellent coverage at Venezuela News and Notes, my new go-to blog for all things Venezuelan.

The BBC is providing updated coverage here (and has a good Q&A here). And see the Wikipedia entry here.