Venezuela

Massive amounts of conflicting information coming out of Venezuela right now about the election. (T)Hugo's reliable major media is dutifully reporting the official government line that Chavez is winning. Other sources say not so fast. Publius Pundit has pictures. Fausta has some technical problems with a podcast, but has valuable links. Telemundo was suddenly shut down by Chavez thugs and prohibited from broadcasting about the elections (If that isn't a sign that Chavez is in trouble, I don't know what is). Last link via Instapundit.

The Associated Press is reporting a landslide victory for Chavez at this moment.

With 78 percent of voting stations reporting, Chavez had 61 percent to 38 percent for challenger Manuel Rosales, said Tibisay Lucena, head of the country's elections council. Chavez had nearly 6 million votes versus 3.7 million for Rosales, according to the partial tally.

Turnout was 62 percent, according to an official bulletin of results, making Chavez's lead insurmountable.

Minutes after the results were announced, Chavez appeared on the balcony of the presidential palace singing the national anthem.

"Long live the socialist revolution! Destiny has been written," Chavez shouted to thousands of flag-waving supporters in a pouring rain.

Chavez said he would now try to deepen his social reforms to spread his country's vast oil profits among the poor.

"No one should fear socialism," he proclaimed. "Socialism is human. Socialism is love."

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!"

We'll have to see what the election monitors have to say, but something is weird about those high numbers given the enormous turnouts in anti-Chavez demonstrations.

UPDATE Rosales has conceded but has vowed to remain in opposition. But one thing people should keep in mind here:

Chavez says he would convene a commission upon re-election to propose constitutional reforms, likely including an end to presidential term limits. Current law prevents him from running again in 2012.

President-for-life is up next.

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  By steveH, December 4, 2006 @ 8:17 am

  I was surprised to see that CNN described tHugo as “the anti-American” something-or-other, instead of “…the universally adored near-diety who has brought prosperity and tranquility to a peaceful Venezuela.”

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  By Fausta, December 4, 2006 @ 1:31 pm

  My podcast is now up. Thanks for the link!

Other Links to this Post

1. Bitsblog » Well, did he win, or didn’t he? — December 4, 2006 @ 6:27 am