SANTA ELENA, Venezuela, (Reuters) – President Hugo Chavez defied his health problems to join a massive rally while opposition rival Henrique Capriles took to the remotest corners of Venezuela at today’s formal launch of the presidential race.
Unable to repeat the frenetic campaigning of past elections due to his struggle with cancer, a fist-pumping Chavez nevertheless made a rare appearance at a rally in central Venezuela to underline he is fit enough for the Oct. 7 vote.
Capriles, a young state governor seeking to end 13 years of socialist rule in the South American OPEC member, flew to two distant spots near the Brazilian and Colombian borders to highlight alleged government neglect of remote communities.
Chavez has a two-digit lead in most polls, but there is a large percentage of undecided voters and one respected local pollster this week put the pair head-to-head.
After three operations to remove two malignant tumors during a year-long battle with cancer, the ever-upbeat Chavez, 57, has in recent weeks declared himself in full recovery and his energy levels appear to be surging.
“My God, give us health and life to lead this people to victory!” he tweeted before riding on the top of a truck through streets lined with thousands of ecstatic supporters.
Most analysts agree the vote is shaping into Venezuela’s closest since Chavez took power in 1999, turning himself into one of the world’s best-known and controversial leaders with his anti-American rhetoric and radical nationalization policies.
CAPRILES CROSSES COUNTRY
Miranda state governor Capriles – a center-left politician who admires Brazil’s mix of free-market economics with strong welfare policies – is widely considered the opposition’s best hope after being outwitted for years by the wily Chavez.
His dash from the capital Caracas to the remote southeastern community of Santa Elena, then across to La Guajira village on the western border near the Caribbean, was part of an opposition strategy to highlight the 39-year-old’s energy and youth in contrast with the ailing Chavez.
“My commitment is to reach the most forgotten people,” he said in a speech to a small group of indigenous inhabitants in Santa Elena, close to the majestic, flat-topped Roraima mountain in a vast and barely populated region near Brazil.
“Over there nearby is Brazil. Its government understood how to work. Brazil has taken off. Now it’s Venezuela’s turn.”
Though Venezuela’s opposition is more united than ever against Chavez, Capriles still faces a formidable task to overcome the president’s unique rapport with the poor and vast spending power thanks to vast oil revenues.
Wearing his trademark red military beret, Chavez blew kisses, clapped, laughed and waved as he rode through the crowds. He still, however, looked bloated and overweight from the effects of his cancer treatment and heavy medication.
Unusually, state media, where Capriles is normally only mentioned in insults, covered some of his activities today. At one point, a split screen showed the rival rallies under the captions “Candidate of the Fatherland” for Chavez and “Candidate of the Right” for Capriles.
Chavez’s ministers lined up to call Capriles a “loser” and puppet of capitalism who would dismantle the popular missions Chavez has set up to provide free education, health services and subsidized food in poor areas.
“Chavez’s whole heart is open to the people,” said Girolamo Ambla, 43, dressed in the red colors of Chavez’s Socialist Party and clutching a doll of the president as hundreds of supporters waited for him to appear at the town of Mariara.
Government supporters held parties and vigils across Venezuela overnight, while the opposition organized scores of pro-Capriles caravans around the nation on Sunday.
“While the other candidate uses the TV, we will stay in the street,” Capriles’ campaign head Armando Briquet said, referring to Chavez’s forcing of all terrestrial TV channels to broadcast many of his speeches and appearances live.