Hugo Chavez's candidates leading in Venezuela elections

Mery Mogollon and Chris Kraul report:

Turnout was heavy Sunday in Venezuelan state and local elections, which were seen as a referendum on President Hugo Chavez's decade in office and could be a decisive factor in whether he attempts to abolish term limits and extend his powers.

Late Sunday, the National Electoral Council reported that Chavez's gubernatorial candidates were leading in 17 of 22 states, two of which, Tachira and Carabobo, were too close to call. Chavez's party appeared set to lose the Caracas mayoralty, however.

A turnout of 65% set a modern record for state and local elections, the commission said. None of the results were final.

Chavez's socialist government has been facing inflation, high crime and falling oil prices, but he remains highly popular in this mineral-rich and polarized country. His gubernatorial and mayoral candidates were expected to win solid, if reduced, majorities in the nation's statehouses and city halls.

Nearly 17 million Venezuelans were eligible to vote in the balloting for 327 mayoralties and 22 governorships, and polls stayed open past the 4 p.m. deadline. Currently, Chavez's allies hold 20 governorships and nearly three-quarters of the city halls.

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-- Deborah Bonello in Mexico City

Photo: President Hugo Chavez’s supporters in Caracas, Venezuela's capital. His candidates were expected to win solid, if reduced, majorities in the nation’s statehouses and city halls. Credit: Ariana Cubillos / Associated Press