Fireworks erupted over Caracas as Maduro spoke to cheering supporters. Maduro spoke to a throng of supporters outside the presidential palace after electoral victories.

"I have won by nearly 300,000 votes. It is the decision of the people," he said.

The 50-year-old Maduro was the United Socialist Party of Venezuela's candidate. A former bus driver and union leader, he served as foreign minister and vice president under Chavez.

CPV