AP Photo

Hugo Chavez has said he wants to remain in office as Venezuela’s president until 2031. He moved six years closer to that goal on October 7th, when voters re-elected him to a new term, by a margin of almost ten points over his centrist rival, Henrique Capriles of the Democratic Unity (MUD) coalition. With 90% of votes counted, the electoral authority said Mr Chavez had obtained over 54%, to Mr Capriles’ 45%. Turnout was a record 80%.