Written by: Beck
The socialist Hugo Chavez's rule in Venezuela has been marked by conflict, incompetence, and corruption. The nation had a shot at removing him from power in a California style recall election, but as of right now, it looks like they blew their chance.
Chavez is claiming victory, with 58% of the vote going his way. Naturally, the vote could not pass without controversy:
Opposition leaders refused to accept the results and demanded a manual recount, claiming their own exit polls showed almost 60% of citizens voted to oust Mr Chavez.
"We categorically and absolutely reject these results," said Henry Ramos Allup, leader of the Democratic Coordinator coalition of opposition parties. "The national elections council has committed a gigantic fraud."
Time will tell.