Chavez assures supporters of victory on final day of campaigning

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has assured a huge crowd of supporters of his victory in the country’s presidential vote scheduled for October 7 on the final day of campaigning.

Despite torrential downpour, hundreds of thousands of Chavez supporters, dressed predominantly in red, packed the main streets of the capital, Caracas, on Thursday while the president led a chorus of the national anthem.

Chavez urged his backers to turn “this Bolivarian avalanche that has traveled the country” into an “avalanche of votes next Sunday.”

“We’ll give a beating to the bourgeoisie,” the president roared.

The president, who is seeking a third term, faces a strong challenge from opposition candidate Henrique Capriles. However, most opinion polls put Chavez ahead of his rival.

Earlier on Wednesday Hugo Chavez called for a massive turnout of his supporters for the Sunday’s presidential election, saying, “Don’t let your guard down. I beg all of you. Don’t be caught up in triumphalism. We will win, but we haven’t won yet.”

He further said that he would continue his program of social reforms and would do more to help the poor if he is reelected. “In all these years, we managed to save the country and have built the foundations for the future.”

“In six years’ time, we will be the first on health and education. In 10 years, there will be no more homeless in Venezuela,” he added.

A total of 18.9 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the polls.