Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was re-elected on Sunday to a new six-year term, defeating his opposition challenger Henrique Capriles Radonski

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was re-elected on Sunday to a new six-year term, defeating his opposition challenger Henrique Capriles Radonski, according to nearly complete results announced by election officials.

Fireworks began to pepper the sky over Caracas soon after the provisional results were announced.

"Today we have demonstrated -- comrades, compatriots -- that our democracy is one of the best in the world," Chavez, who has been president since 1999, said in a speech from the balcony of the presidential palace to crowds of supporters who cheered and waved flags.

He thanked those who had voted for him and acknowledged those who had voted against him, applauding their "democratic attitude."

During his campaign, he highlighted his accomplishments in housing, education and health initiatives and acknowledged he need to do more on crime and government bureaucracy.