Venezuela opposition wins parliamentary majority

The opposition in Venezuela has won a majority of seats in the National Assembly, overturning nearly two decades of dominance by the Socialists of President Nicolas Maduro, BBC reports.

Five hours after polling ended, the National Electoral Council announced the opposition had won 99 seats.

The Socialists have gained 46 seats, with another 22 yet to be declared.

President Maduro has admitted defeat, saying his party recognized ‘these adverse results’.

The opposition alliance, made up of centre and conservative parties, is confident of ultimately taking at least 112 seats after 17 years of socialist rule.