Hugo Chavez wins re-election in Venezuela

With 90% of votes counted, Mr Chavez had more than 54% of the vote to 45% for challenger Henrique Capriles, an athletic 40-year-old former state governor who unified and energised the opposition while barnstorming across the oil-exporting nation. (GETTY IMAGES)

Henrique Capriles was probably the most serious threat to Chavez's presidency since he first came to office in 1999, but Capriles too has been seen off.

It was announced this morning that Chavez won 54 per cent of the vote in the Venezuelan elections. The turnout was 81 per cent.

"The revolution has triumphed," said President Chavez in his victory speech. The 58-year-old was diagnosed with cancer last year, but says he has now made a full recovery.