Courtesy of: El-Nacional.com

As the election approaches, Hugo Chávez is taking advantage of his access to government resources, both by increasing spending and manipulating the state-owned media to persuade Venezuelan voters to elect him on October 7. Opposition candidate Henrique Capriles turns to Facebook to try to expand his reach. Their styles of speaking, Chávez long-winded and bombastic, Capriles succinct and clear, reflect the differences in their ideologies. While the candidates continue on the campaign trail, one writer wonders where international corporate interests lie.

Facing election, Hugo Chávez ruthlessly consolidates his power, Washington Post

Not for the first time, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez has declared himself cancer-free and ready to resume a full schedule.

Chávez boasts his own importance while Capriles speaks of teamwork, El Universal

One gloats with being able to ramble on for endless hours. The other retorts, saying that actions speak louder than words.

Chavez opponent takes new campaign approach in Venezuela with online forum on Facebook, Washington Post

Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Henrique Capriles tried a new campaign tool on Wednesday with a live question-and-answer session on Facebook.

Does oil giant Chevron want Chavez to win reelection in Venezuela?, Christian Science Monitor

A couple days ago, Raúl Gallegos published a decent little column about how Chevron is, if not betting on a Hugo Chávez reelection, at least setting itself up for a long, happy relationship with the Bolivarian Republic.