Venezuelan Vice President says Chavez Leads Polls
Venezuelan Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel on returning from Moscow, said in Madrid that with the polls 6 to 2 in favor of Chavez over opposition candidate Manuel Rosales, the outcome will be convincing enough to clear all doubts and all that remains to be seen is the margin of victory.

Rangel said one of the current problems is the absence of a strong, rational opposition that plays by the rules of the game.

The opposition lacks a single strong candidate, with some enjoying more support than others.

It has made many mistakes, added Rangel recalling the frustrated April 11, 2002 coup, the oil industry sabotage, terrorist actions and unconditional pro-US policy.

Rangel hoped a coherent, responsible opposition will emerge from the elections, taking advantage of the opportunity to undergo a democratic reconstruction.

He assured Spanish Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos of total guarantees to the opposition and respect for civil liberties in the elections.

We just hope they do not withdraw at the last moment as they did in the December 2005 legislative elections when they left the Bolivarian ranks in full command in Parliament.

On a possible abstention, Rangel said they could resort to that trick again but so far, all indications are that that they will participate.