Note : With 90 % of votes cast , Chavez has 54 % of the vote , officials say . Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was re-elected Sunday to a new six-year term , overcoming an energetic challenge by a candidate backed by an opposition coalition , according to nearly complete results announced by election officials . NEW : Democrat Henrique Capriles Radonski has 45 % of the vote . NEW : The 81 % turnout is one of the highest in decades , elections chief says . Hugo Chavez , president since 2000 , is re - elected to a six - year term .
Note : With 90 % of votes cast , Chavez has 54 % of the vote , officials say . NEW : Democrat Henrique Capriles Radonski has 45 % of the vote . NEW : The 81 % turnout is one of the highest in decades , elections chief says . Hugo Chavez , president since 2000 , is re - elected to a six - year term .