The United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) of President Hugo Chávez won the regional elections in most states on Sunday, but the opposition won the two most populous provinces of the country and defeated the government in Greater Caracas, reported the Electoral Justice yesterday.

The allies of Chavez won in 17 of the 22 states, despite complaints that the government has done little to contain the high number of murders and the highest inflation in Latin America. The PSUV regained the states of Trujillo, Aragua, Sucre and Guárico of “chavists” dissidents. The government still maintained Barinas, birthplace of the leader and where his brother, Adán Chavez, competed.

Chavez, who made a frantic campaign saying that his political future was at stake, declared victory. While his party says the political map is predominantly red and the Socialists won 1.5 million votes in all, the opposition says that now governs the most populous country, key regions in future elections.

The elected governors in opposition promised work in a coordinated manner with the president. Henrique Capriles, who won in Miranda said they do not want to “fight” against the government. “We are a country that is tired of the fight, division,” Capriles said.

Via: NYT.