Venezuela local elections: great turnout and divided victories (Updated)

UPDATES:  Later reports showed that the opposition also won at two more states: Carabobo and Tachira. The final outcomes clearly shows that most populated states would be under the control of the local opposition. This shows a tendency in Venezuelans´political preferences. The opposition is leading in urban centres while the government is turning towards the rural areas. In addition, almost all local authorities posts in Caracas have been taken by the opposition.   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 receiving reports of over 60 % of the counting by electoral juntas of the votes, results did not show a clear victory for the Chavez´s candidates in meaningful posts. Seventeen governorships remain under official control though.  However, the opposition won at traditional opposition place of Zulia and Nueva Esparta. It also regain control over Miranda state and Caracas Mayoral post. Tachira and Carabobo states are still to be decided as counting continues.   The opposition came divided to the elections and suffer major set backs in the following states Aragua, Barinas, Anzoategui, Bolivar, Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, Vargas, Yaracuy, Falcon, Merida, Libertador, Monagas, Guarico, Trujillo, Lara and Sucre. The governing PSUV recognised the victory by the opposition and promised to continue with his political socialist project.   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 in Caracas and within his own party. Would be heirs of his leadership could turn dangerous for his remaining time in government. 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.