Venezuela: Blandet valgresultat for Hugo Chavez

Allies of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez have won governorships in 17 of 22 state elections, but the opposition has made gains, election officials say, according to BBC Monday.

The opposition took the two most populous states, and won mayoral elections in the capital, Caracas. The polls were being seen as a critical test for Mr Chavez, whose allies until now controlled 21 states.

Elections were held to choose new governors and more than 300 mayors across the country.