Opponents of Hugo Chavez claim victory with gaining over one third of the seats in the parliamentary elections yesterday while building momentum in their attempt to oust Chavez in 2012. The opposition Democratic Unity umbrella group has claimed that it also won a majority of the popular vote, once confirmed this will be a blow to Chavez.
With most of the votes counted, a source at the electoral council reports the Democratic Unity party has 62 seats in parliament and backed the claim of the party willing 52% of the popular vote.
Chavez needed a supermajority (2/3) of the seats in order to be able to bring quick passage of many of his pet projects- the opposition has denied this. Due to a boycott of the last parliamentary election, Chavez has enjoyed near 100 % control of the parliament.
