Despite having a massive majority of his home media against him and the overwhelming animosity of rich business interests, Mr Chavez has won a convincing victory. I would like to congratulate him, as I know would many thousands of others here in the UK.

The question now of course is whether the violent and antagonistic elements in the oppostion will accept the (internationally and independently ratified) result. Venezuela seems fortunate and rare in Latin American countries by having a loyal miltary who actually side with the elected government rather than with whoever waves the biggest cheque at them.

If the rich of Venezuela refuse to accept democracy and attempt to stir up violence against a popular presdient making great strides for his people (don`t forget child mortality rates have been slashed under Chavez's rule) they must be cracked down on severely.

The people have spoken.