NBC News — Allies of cancer-stricken Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez swept to victory sunday night by taking nearly all of Venezuela's 23 states in elections. Experts say the results signal the continued dominance of Chavez's socialist leadership despite his ill health and widespread complaints.

Turnout was a very low 54%, reflecting weariness with politics after the recent presidential campaign and the closeness of Christmas. Chavez is in Cuba recovering from his fourth cancer surgery. He was recently elected to another term that begins in January.