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Venezuelans formed long queues to vote in a referendum on whether President Hugo Chavez should stay in office.

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The wait was long for some, amid an extremely high turnout and some problems with electronic thumbprint machines.

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The vote attracted attendance from across the country, including women from the indigenous Wayu tribe.

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Venezuelans living abroad were also invited to vote - like this woman at the country's embassy in New York.

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Tight security was maintained with soldiers outside a polling booth searching both people and their belongings.

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Hugo Chavez has seen off previous attempts to oust him - in a short-lived coup as well as referendums.

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The opposition, led by Enrique Mendoza, accuse Mr Chavez of authoritarianism and economic mismanagement.

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Jubilant Chavez supporters gathered outside Miraflores presidential palace once the results were announced.

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President Chavez appeared on the balcony and sang to his followers.

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But disappointed opposition members rejected the result, claiming fraud.