Venezuela rivals both claim wins in election

CARACAS - After sharing the spoils from weekend elections, Venezuela's growing opposition and President Hugo Chávez's left-wing party jostled for political momentum yesterday.

The multiparty opposition eroded Chávez's dominance of regional politics, winning six top posts that govern over almost half of the population, although his Socialist Party took a clear majority of state races.

The results make more challenging Chávez's goal of changing the law to run for reelection in 2012. The opposition defeated that move in a referendum last year and gained ground Sunday.

In power for almost a decade, the popular anti-American president won 17 of 22 states, but the opposition held on to the two states it won at the last regional elections four years ago, picked up three more, and won the powerful mayoralty of Caracas.

The overall mixed results triggered a public relations battle as each side fought to seize the momentum by persuading Venezuelans that it was the victor in an election where a high 65 percent of voters cast ballots.

The outcome of the post-election tussle could determine whether Chávez has the backing to realize his reelection goal or follow through on threats to spread his nationalizations program by seizing assets from landowners or food companies.

Chávez's party said the political map was still painted the red of his self-styled revolution. The opposition said the results would enhance its visibility and credibility with voters.