Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.
November 23, 2008

Venezuelans Vote in Critical Local Elections
--------------------------------------------

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=208CEAC:5F753BCA39991A3B9860EA2FED8F7465D937473925D9872C&
 
President Hugo Chavez faces a critical test of his grip on power in the
elections 
Hugo Chavez (file photo)Venezuelans are voting in state and municipal
elections Sunday. President Hugo Chavez faces a critical test of his
grip on power in the elections. Mr. Chavez say he needs his allies to
win in key states in order to continue to build a socialist nation. He
has threatened to cut off funds, or even deploy tanks, in areas the
opposition wins. Mr. Chavez's ex-wife and brother are among the
opposition candidates. The elections come a year after Mr. Chavez
suffered a defeat of a referendum that would have allowed him to seek
re-election indefinitely. Mr. Chavez has been in office since 1999. 

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.


.