Chavez Declared Winner Over Capriles in Venezuelan Election

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As pre-election polls showed the race tightening, Chavez apologized for his government’s shortcomings, vowing to eliminate poverty and be a "more efficient" leader.

"I’m committed to being a better president starting on Oct. 8," he told supporters at an Oct. 2 rally in Lara state. "Although I’ve committed mistakes, I’ve never failed you."

Fireworks erupted across Caracas after the results were announced. Chavez supporters had been partying in the streets ahead of the announcement.

"Chavez is an icon," said Lampreia. "As long as he’s alive, most people will vote for him."

--Editors: Bill Faries, Philip Sanders

To contact the reporters on this story: Jose Orozco in Caracas at jorozco8bloomberg.net; Charlie Devereux in Caracas at cdevereux3bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Joshua Goodman at jgoodman19bloomberg.net

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