VENEZUELA: President Hugo Chavez casts his vote in presidential election as supporters cheer him on

Record ID: 702371

  • Title: VENEZUELA: President Hugo Chavez casts his vote in presidential election as supporters cheer him on
  • Date: 8th October 2012
  • Summary: CARACAS, VENEZUELA (OCTOBER 7, 2012) (REUTERS) PRESIDENT HUGO CHAVEZ ARRIVING VARIOUS OF PRESIDENT HUGO CHAVEZ CASTING HIS BALLOT JOURNALISTS CHAVEZ PLACING BALLOT IN BOX PEOPLE WATCHING, INCLUDING MAYAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST RIGOBERTA MENCHU AND FORMER COLOMBIAN LAWMAKER PIEDAD CORDOBA CHAVEZ SHADOW BOXING WITH U.S. ACTOR DANNY GLOVER CHAVEZ STANDING AT MICROPHONES MENCHU (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PRESIDENT HUGO CHAVEZ SAYING: "I am willing to speak with any Venezuelan always thinking peace. I hope that you do not doubt that we will recognize the results, regardless of what they are." JOURNALIST (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PRESIDENT HUGO CHAVEZ SAYING: "Even if it is one vote or three millions votes difference, the responsible politicians have to recognize the results, especially with an electoral system that is absolutely transparent, one of the best in the world. GENERAL VIEW OF CHAVEZ SPEAKING
  • Embargoed: 23rd October 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
  • Country: Venezuela
  • Topics: Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA3ASM0MD529KDHIKRJPWIULMSO
  • Story Text: President Hugo Chavez voted on Sunday (October 07) in what has become his biggest election challenge in his 14-year socialist rule.
    Chavez is facing off against opposition candidate Henrique Capriles.
    Driving himself to his voting centre, Chavez greeted supporters as he arrived.
    After Chavez voted, he welcomed special guests, including former Colombian lawmaker Piedad Cordoba, Mayan rights activist Rigoberta Menchu and U.S. actor Danny Glover. He was also serenaded with song by a supporter who watched him vote.
    Chavez told reporters that the elections should be respected.
    "Let's support the results and let's support the people and let's support this democracy and the Venezuelan republic will continue on its path of growth," he said.
    He also commented on the current crisis dogging European countries.
    "I am willing to speak with any Venezuelan always thinking peace. I hope that you do not doubt that we will recognize the results, regardless of what they are," Chavez said.
    He added: "Even if it is one vote or three millions votes difference, the responsible politicians have to recognize the results, especially with an electoral system that is absolutely transparent, one of the best in the world."
    Opposition governor, Henrique Capriles, has edged toward the still-popular Chavez in final polls thanks to a vigorous campaign that united the opposition and made him its best chance of ending the president's 14-year tenure.
    Voting runs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (1030-2230 GMT), although polls will stay open later if there are still queues. Results are due any time starting late on Sunday evening.
    The electoral authority says it will only announce the results once there is an "irreversible trend".
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
Register