Chavez's party won 98 seats in legislative elections

Chavez's party won 98 seats in legislative elections Venezuela's ruling United Socialist Party (PSUV) won 98 seats in the 165-member National Assembly at Sunday's election, but failed to take a two-thirds majority which are needed to however pass major laws or key appointments.

PSUV campaign chief Aristobulo Isturiz said Monday at a press conference that PSUV was satisfied with the result."We won most of the seats. We are committed to President Hugo Chavez," he said.

An opposition bloc took 64 seats. There are still 3 seats which have not been decided till now.Isturiz predicted that there would be drastic debates at the National Assembly, as the ruling party fell short of Chavez's aim of taking at least two-thirds of the seats.

Chavez encouraged his followers to continue to strengthen socialism.More than 17.5 million people were registered to vote on Sunday to choose the 165 lawmakers to the National Assembly and representatives to the Latin American Parliament.