Venezuela local elections: great turnout and divided victories

The first official results of Venezuela's state and municipal elections has just been issued by Tibisay Lucena, the president of the National Electoral Council. After counting over 60 % counting of electoral juntas of the votes, results did not show a clear victory for the Chavez´s candidates in meaningful posts. The opposition won at traditional opposition place of Zulia But also regain control over Miranda state and Caracas Mayoral post. The opposition came divided to the elections an suffer major set backs in the following states Aragua, Barinas, Anzoategui, Bolivar, Cojedes, Yaracuy, Falcon, Guarico, Trujillo, Lara, Sucre. Turnout - over 65,49% of the electorate universe -was rather high for local election historical standards in Venezuela. This turnout shows the renewed interest and enthusiasm on politics. In addition it demonstrated the trust of Venezuelans over their electoral systems. International observers have also hailed the technical facilities and flawless outcome of the elections.     As President Chavez took it to heart to win this elections, their result are to be interpreted as a lukewarm sign for the extension of his tenure in power beyond 2013. Chavez would now need to devote much energy to oppose hostile opponents at the local level and within his own party. The world financial crisis and deficient management of his policies could create havoc in the near future. It is up to his administration to govern with less money and more focused social aims. The opposition would now need to analyse defeat and envision the more democratic selection of its candidates. Unlike the governing PSUV, the opposition parties did not celebrate internal elections to choose their candidates; on the contrary. they appointed candidates by manoeuvring politics, internal struggles and negotiations among few leaders.