Billboards for candidates Chavez and Capriles

As Henrique Capriles’ campaign is beginning to ramp up, he looks to expand his base by making personal connections with Venezuelans, campaigning from house to house in some of the country´s poorest areas. Capriles has even ventured into Hugo Chávez’s home state, which has long been off limits for his opponents. He portrays himself as a uniter, trying to avoid the class warfare that often dominates Chávez’s rhetoric and Venezuelan politics. His position in the race, though, is hard to figure out, since Venezuelan polls report vastly different numbers, depending on the political positions of the pollsters. While Capriles is out campaigning, Chávez’s continued absence has left many wondering whether his illness will even allow him to participate in the elections. Some are saying that the new Council of State is merely a body created to manage the transition, and that power struggles are going on behind the scenes. Foreign Minister Nicolás Maduro is receiving attention as a possible successor, given his increased role during Chávez’s prolonged silence. Also, a member of Venezuela’s Council of Elections breaks down possible scenarios on election day, and says that there is no provision in the constitution that would allow for the elections to be suspended or cancelled legally.

Hugo Chávez’s Enemy No. 1, Businessweek

In the ramshackle town of Anaco in eastern Venezuela’s oil-rich Anzoátegui state, three yellow-shirted bodyguards rush a trim, perspiring, boyishly handsome 39-year-old in a baseball cap from house to shabby brick house through 500 cheering, flag-waving fans. Most in the throng are visibly poor, some are young women with tears of joy running down their cheeks. All are sweaty under a hot April sun.

Venezuela challenger woos Chavez’s rural heartland, Reuters

Deep in the rural home state of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez that has for years been off limits for opposition politicians, rival candidate Henrique Capriles struggled to push through a throng of screaming supporters.

Chavez opponent wants to be a uniter, CNN

He is running against one of the world’s most recognized presidential strongmen, but Henrique Capriles, the governor of the Venezuelan state of Miranda, exudes confidence.

Venezuela: Chavez or Capriles?, The Financial Times

More bizarre poll results from Venezuela. As if people weren’t uncertain enough about their country’s political future, what with the government treating the precise condition of Hugo Chavez’s health as a state secret, opinion polls are just making things worse.

Venezuela prepares for life after Chávez, The Guardian

Last month the Venezuelan president, Hugo Chávez, convened the first session of the council of state. Opposition parties are convinced the aim is to avoid a power vacuum.

Venezuela analysts cast doubt on presidential election, The Miami Herald

Is the Venezuelan government laying the groundwork to delay or even suspend the Oct. 7 presidential elections due to President Hugo Chávez’s failing health?

Hugo Chavez’s Absence Spawns Power Grabs in Venezuela, Newsweek

Venezuela these days feels like The Wizard of Oz on acid. The country’s main newspapers recently carried the news of a tornado-shaped cloud on the front page.

In Venezuela, top diplomat steps into the void while cancer forces lower profile for Chavez, The Washington Post

After nearly a year of cancer treatment that has forced President Hugo Chavez to step back from the spotlight, a burly former bus driver with a dark mustache and affable smile is emerging more than ever as the president’s stand-in.

“Suspending the elections would be like launching a coup”, El Universal

Suspending constitutional rights or issuing a presidential State of Emergency decree could not spell the end of the presidential elections scheduled for October 7.