Mr Chavez won 54% of the vote, the country's electoral council² announced, with turnout at about 81%.

 

Noisy celebrations among Chavez supporters erupted across the capital, Caracas, following the result.

 

Mr Chavez said Venezuela would continue its march towards socialism but also vowed³ he would be a "better president".

 

Electoral council president Tibisay Lucena announced that with 90% of votes counted Mr Chavez had taken 54.42% of the vote with Mr Capriles on 44.97%.

 

 

"The revolution has triumphed," President Chavez told a cheering crowd from the balcony of the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas.

 

"Viva Venezuela! Viva the fatherland! The battle was perfect and the victory was perfect," he said.

 

However, Mr Chavez also sounded a conciliatory（安抚的） note, saying he wanted to "include everybody", adding: "I commit to being a better president than I've been these past few years."

 

A subdued⁴ Mr Capriles congratulated Mr Chavez but told opposition supporters not to feel defeated.

 

"I want to congratulate the candidate⁵, the president of the republic," he said at his campaign headquarters⁶.

 

He added: "We have planted many seeds across Venezuela and I know that these seeds are going to produce many trees."

 

Jubilant Chavez supporters held impromptu⁷ street parties in central Caracas, blaring horns and waving flags.

 

"I'm celebrating with a big heart - Chavez is the hope of the people and of Latin⁸ America," said Chavez supporter Mary Reina.

 

Construction worker Edgar Gonzalez said: "I can't describe the relief and happiness I feel right now.

 

"The revolution will continue, thanks to God and the people of this great country."

 

At the Capriles' campaign headquarters, some opposition supporters were in tears at the news.

 

Mr Capriles said he hoped Mr Chavez would recognise that almost half the country disagreed with his policies.

 

Mr Capriles said: "There's a country that is divided and to be a good president means to work for all Venezuelans, to work for the solution of all Venezuelans' problems."

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