Chavez Pledges To Maintain "Socialist Path"

Democratic awfulness

The Venezuelan president, Hugo Chávez, brandished the sword of independence hero Simón Bolívar as he celebrated his re-election with a promise to further his government's brand of socialism during a new six-year term, in which he will face several economic challenges.

"Truthfully, this has been the perfect battle, a democratic battle," Chávez told the euphoric crowd outside the Miraflores palace. "Venezuela will continue along the path of democratic and Bolivarian socialism of the 21st century."