Chavez wins referendum

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has declared victory in referendum that will allow him to run for a third six-year term in 2012.



The National Election Commission announced last night that of the 94 percent of the votes counted, about 54.4 percent supported the referendum.



Another 45.6 percent were opposed to it.



The National Assembly approved the referendum last month although Venezuelans narrowly rejected a similar measure in December 2007.



If the results hold, Chavez could run for a third consecutive six-year term in 2012.