Chavez extends hand to Opposition

A triumphant Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez hailed his “perfect” victory in the presidential election on Sunday, extending a hand to the Opposition as he called for national unity in the divided nation. Addressing thousands of cheering supporters from the balcony of his Miraflores presidential residence,

Chavez sang the national anthem and vowed to be a better President after defeating Opposition rival Henrique Capriles.

“Viva Venezuela! Viva the fatherland!” exulted the Leftist leader, who won a new six-year term after almost 14 years in power.

“The battle was perfect and the victory was perfect. “I want to include everybody, including sectors of the opposition,” Chavez, wearing a red shirt, said after the Opposition’s best election result yet against the Leftist firebrand.