Ahead on Venezuela election results that foretell further reform push by Chavez

Reuters swept the timings from November 23 regional elections in Venezuela, a major test of President Hugo Chavez’s popularity and his ability to push ahead with socialist reforms. Opposition parties made gains in the capital and in Venezuela’s more densely populated states, although Chavez’s allies won 17 of the 22 state races. Chavez insisted he would speed up his reforms, and that his party might seek next year to change the constitution so he can stand for re-election in 2012. Reuters was first with all the election results, and with Chavez’s promise of more reforms to come.