Success for Chavez's Socialists in Venezuela state polls

The Socialist Party of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has increased the number of governorships it holds, early results from state elections show.

The socialists won in 20 of the country's 23 states, officials said.
However the opposition coalition held on to two key governorships - including that of Miranda, one of Venezuela's most populous states, BBC reports.

The poll took place amid uncertainty over the health of Mr Chavez, who is is in Cuba recovering from cancer surgery.
Members of the Socialist Party had urged voters to go to the polls on Sunday in a show of solidarity with the president.
Aides said Mr Chavez had been watching the election closely and had "resumed giving instructions and governing".