Leftist President Hugo Chavez won re-election in Venezuela by a wide margin Sunday, giving him free reign for a more radical turn toward socialism and six more years to counter U.S. influence in Latin America and beyond

Challenger Manuel Rosales conceded defeat but vowed to remain in opposition, resisting a leader he accuses of edging Venezuela toward authoritarian rule.Minutes after the results were announced, Chavez appeared on the balcony of the presidential palace singing the national anthem. He pledged to deepen his effort to transform Venezuela into a more egalitarian society.

?Long live the socialist revolution! Destiny has been written,? Chavez shouted to thousands of flag-waving supporters wearing red shirts and braving a pouring rain.?That new era has begun,? he said, raising a hand in the air. ?We have shown that Venezuela is red! ... No one should fear socialism ... Socialism is human. Socialism is love,? Chavez said. ?Down with imperialism! We need a new world!? He said his victory was a blow to , whose government he calls dangerously imperialistic.?It?s another defeat for the devil, who tries to dominate the world,? Chavez said. ?Down with imperialism! We need a new world!? Since he first won office in 1998, Chavez has increasingly dominated all branches of government and his allies now control congress, state offices and the judiciary. Current law prevents him from running again in 2012 but he has said he plans to seek constitutional reforms that would include an end to presidential term limits.

He has increasingly posed a challenge to the United States while leading a growing bloc of Latin American leftists, influencing elections across the region, and allying himself with US enemies like and Chavez also has used Venezuela?s oil wealth to his political advantage. He channeled oil profits toward multibillion-dollar programs for the poor including subsidized food, free university education and cash benefits for single mothers. He has also helped allies from Cuba to Bolivia with oil and petrodollars. He now promises an even more profound shake-up of society.

With 78 percent of voting stations reporting, Chavez had 61 percent to 38 percent for challenger Rosales, said Tibisay Lucena, head of the country?s elections council. Chavez had nearly 6 million votes versus 3.7 million for Rosales, according to the partial tally.

Final turnout figures among the 15.9 million eligible voters were not available but an official bulletin of partial results showed it at 75 percent, making Chavez?s lead insurmountable.