Chavez , president since 1999 , is re-elected to a six-year term . His defeated challenger urges him to govern for all Venezuelans . The election result Sunday means the U.S. government will have to continue to deal with Chavez 's provocatively independent brand of diplomacy . He does so and the country goes into recession. With 90 % of ballots counted , he has 54 % of the vote , officials say .
Chavez , president since 1999 , is re-elected to a six-year term . His defeated challenger urges him to govern for all Venezuelans . He does so and the country goes into recession. With 90 % of ballots counted , he has 54 % of the vote , officials say .