Uh, Ah, Chavez No Se Va

Chavez wins office without incident as the streets buzz with pro-Chavez support. Shawn O'Bryant
Caracas, Venezuela

Hugo Chavez's definitive victory was ushered in last night with boisterous support in Caracas. As the numbers came in and a clear margin of victory became obvious, fireworks exploded in the streets and sky, cars began unanimously honking in chorus and cries of  Chavez's campaign slogan, "¡Uh, Ah, Chavez No Se Va!" (Uh, Ah, Chavez will not go away) could be heard bouncing across the plazas. Although no political upheaval or violence accompanied the victory of Chavez, with the announcement of his re-election came thunder showers.

As a triumphant Chavez walked out onto the balcony of Miraflores Palace  in his campaign color reds,  the rain fell in sheets. But no matter how hard it rained nothing could dampen the mood or extinguish Chavez's fiery victory speech. Drenched to the bone, thousands of Chavez supporters seethed underneath their re-elected  president in a melee of red clothing, banners and Venezuelan flags. Chavez stood in the downpour himself while addressing the country and spoke passionately for well over half an hour. Despite the weather no one attempted to leave, rather the mood became more and more elevated as Chavez claimed a  victory for, "society, democracy and Venezuela."

The victory for Chavez was no suprise and  his opposition Manuel Rosales conceded defeat without incident. Rosales does however dispute the margin of victory which last night placed Chavez ahead with 5,936,141 votes and a 61% majority  and Rosales with 3,715292 votes and a 38% minority.

As election night faded and a new day began, Chavez supporters gathered again today in the Plaza de Caracas to celebrate Chavez's  continuing pledge for a  "Bolivarian-Socialist" revolution. Anywhere within blocks of the pro-Chavez celebration the streets were stuffed with people  in all manner of red regalia, dancing and singing. Salsa and techno renditions of Chavez's campaign slogan "¡Uh Ah, Chavez No Se Va!" thundered through the streets as the catchy chant has evolved into the next hit pop-jingle. Although it is clear that Rosales supporters were not out in force, the pro-Chavez mood permeated the city.

Chavez has remained in power and his presence is felt in every corner of Caracas today. From his campaign signs still hanging off buildings and across the roads, to the graffitti on the walls, the red clothing awash in the streets and the songs that is stuck in everyones head, Chavez no Se Va. He hasn't gone anywhere.