Electoral Chief: Allies of Chavez Sweep Gubernatorial Seats in Venezuela Elections Miranda State's Gov. Henrique Capriles laughs while casting his ballot at a polling station in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. Venezuelans are choosing governors and state lawmakers in elections that have become a key test of whether President Hugo Chavez's movement can endure if the socialist leader leaves the political stage. Electoral chief: Allies of Chavez sweep gubernatorial seats in Venezuela elections.