Chavez’s party claims sweeping poll victory

PRESIDENT Hugo Chavez’s governing party won full control of the 167-National Assembly, claiming a sweeping victory in congressional elections boycotted by major opposition parties.

Official results of Sunday's election were still being tallied yesterday, but leading lawmaker Willian Lara said candidates of Chavez's Fifth Republic Movement party had won 114 seats. Including allies from other parties, the entire 167-member chamber could be filled with pro-Chavez lawmakers.

A two-thirds majority would allow pro-Chavez lawmakers to amend the constitution, and some lawmakers have said they would consider a reform to extend term limits for all offices, including the president. Chavez has already served nearly seven years.

Five major opposition parties pulled out of the race, complaining they did not trust the electoral system. Chavez dismissed the boycott as a failed ploy to sabotage legitimate elections.

The president accused the United States, with which he often clashes, of being behind the boycott a charge Washington denied.

The Organisation of American States had 60 observers monitoring the vote, while the European Union had 160 observers on hand.