[Rastus]

The story has been fleshed out at the link above:

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CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) - Three Venezuelan government ministers said on Monday that President Hugo Chavez had easily survived a referendum on whether to recall him but the comments conflicted with opposition hints that they had won.

"We've won this by a long way," one of three cabinet members, who did not want to be identified, said as they hugged and celebrated at the Miraflores presidential palace in scenes witnessed by Reuters.

The other two ministers made similar claims.

Shortly earlier, senior opposition leaders had dropped heavy hints of victory.

Venezuelan law prohibits anyone from announcing electoral results until the country's election authorities do so.

"From the expression on my face, people can tell what's happening," said a smug-looking Enrique Mendoza, a leader of the opposition coalition which forced Sunday's referendum on the populist president.

Another opposition leader, former state oil company executive Juan Fernandez, said: "We're going to have fireworks and music .... we're going to say Venezuela woke up on the day of the referendum."

[steveegg]

Three Venezuelan government ministers said on Monday that President Hugo Chavez had easily survived a referendum on whether to recall him ....

"We've won this by a long way," one of three cabinet members, who did not want to be identified, said as they hugged and celebrated at the Miraflores presidential palace in scenes witnessed by Reuters....

Venezuelan law prohibits anyone from announcing electoral results until the country's election authorities do so.

I'm shocked, shocked that a lefty would violate the law.