Venezuela opposition scores stunning victory

CARACAS, Venezuela - In Venezuela, the opposition has pulled off a surprise election victory - winning at least 99 out of 167 seats in a parliamentary vote.

It's the biggest setback for the socialist government since the late president Hugo Chavez came to power in 1998. When the result was announced, a huge cheer went up at opposition headquarters.

Venezuela's opposition can hardly believe it - after 17 years of socialist rule, they've finally scored a victory.

"The change is coming, Venezuela!” said Jesus Torrealba, leader of opposition MP in Parliament. “Today we have a reason to celebrate! The country called for change, and the change starts today. Citizens made themselves heard in peace, and democratically overthrew a government that isn't democratic."

In areas of Caracas loyal to the opposition - it was party time. But it was rather different at government headquarters:   President Maduro accepted the defeat - despite opposition claims the ruling party had tried to rig the polls.

"We saw the electoral council extend voting hours, it allowed the governing party to keep campaigning today, it even forced people to the polls, the governing party abused the polls in every way it could. But we also saw a people without fear choose its own National Assembly," said Hazler Iglesias, student protest leader.

But a long road lies ahead - the opposition are likely to have to share power with President Maduro, meaning they'll find it hard to push for change.

The devil is in the detail - the opposition know they've won 99 out of 167 seats, but they need a super majority of 110 to force a referendum that could force Maduro out of power before the end of his term in 2018.

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