CARACAS, April 14 (RIA Novosti) – Venezuelans are voting Sunday in a key presidential election that will test the socialist legacy of late President Hugo Chavez.
Chavez’s protégé, acting President Nicolas Maduro is facing off against opposition candidate Henrique Capriles. In his election campaign, Maduro has pledged to push forward Chavez's "21st century socialism,” which has brought popular health, education and food programs to the poor.
Maduro’s challenger Capriles has said Venezuelans are tired of divisive "Chavista" politics and vowed to bring change to the nation of 28 million people.
The latest opinion polls show that Maduro has a convincing lead over his opposition rival.
Chavez, who ruled Venezuela for 14 years, died on March 5 at the age of 58 after a two-year-long fight with cancer. He named Maduro as his successor before undergoing the latest surgery in December.
