Venezuela Approves Election Law Opponents Say Favors Chavez's Party

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuelan lawmakers have approved a new election law that opponents say favors President Hugo Chavez's party.

The law lets the National Election Council, widely perceived as pro-Chavez, redraw the boundaries of voting districts.

It passed Friday in the National Assembly, which is dominated by the president's allies.

Opposition politicians fear the council may gerrymander districts to favor Chavez's party in next year's congressional vote.

Chavez allies deny the bill is designed to favor the ruling party.