MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Venezuela elections: Chavez opponents make poll gains

It's Venezuela's victory - the democratic path that Venezuela chose was ratified

Venezuela's opposition has made gains in regional polls, but President Hugo Chavez's allies have held onto at least 17 of the country's 22 governorships.

The opposition took the two most populous states, and won mayoral elections in the capital, Caracas. The polls are regarded as a critical test for Mr Chavez, whose allies until now controlled 21 states. Elections were held to choose new governors and more than 300 mayors across the country. 'Exemplary conduct'With more than 95% of votes counted overall, the opposition claimed victory in the key states of Miranda and Zulia, the biggest in terms of electorate They also won mayoral elections in Caracas - formerly held by a Chavez supporter. The post is seen by some as the second most important job in the country. But Mr Chavez's Socialist Party also made gains, winning in the state of Sucre, the central Caracas district of Libertador and the president's home state, Barinas. The BBC's Will Grant in Caracas says the results have enabled both sides to claim some sort of success. "It's Venezuela's victory," Mr Chavez said. "The democratic path that Venezuela chose was ratified." Officials estimated turnout at 64.5% of Venezuela's 17 million eligible voters, a record for local elections in recent years. The electoral commission described the conduct of voters as exemplary. The outcomes in two states are still two close to call.