Chavez launches reelection bid with huge march
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez launched his reelection campaign with a huge march here on Saturday declaring "sovereignty and dignity" for Venezuela.

In a sea of red banners and flags, tens of thousands of Chavez backers, including state oil workers, students and public employees, flooded the streets from the east to downtown Caracas, seeking 10 million votes to assure him seven more years in office in December's elections.

Marchers hoisted placards hailing Chavez's social programs and other achievements of his government.

The rally also marked the 14th anniversary of the failed coup attempt led by then-lieutenant colonel Chavez on Feb. 4, 1992, and his seven years in office.

"Everyone is marching this Saturday for sovereignty and dignity," official statements said in the media.