Chavez parties claim victory in Venezuela

CARACAS, Venezuela, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Gubernatorial candidates allied with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez have won the majority of races following balloting over the weekend.

However, some opposition candidates have won in some key battleground states, results posted Monday indicated.

Allies of the leftist Chavez won in 17 of 22 states, El Universal reported Monday, though opponents of the Venezuelan leader won in crucial states like Miranda and in metropolitan Caracas, the capital.

The results showed a gain for opposition parties from 2004 when Chavez supporters won all states but two.