Venezuelans go to legislative polls

People in Venezuela go to polls at the National Assembly elections in what is widely seen as a test for President Hugo Chavez’s party.

The highly anticipated legislative elections come as heavy rains left seven people dead and six others missing in the nation’s capital.

Some 9,000 journalists from Venezuela and foreign countries arrived in Caracas ahead of Sunday’s vote.

“Some 2,700 candidates are competing for 165 seats at the National Assembly and twelve for the Latin American parliament,” said Mariela Mayor of the National Election Commission.

Following the rise of Chavez to power, Venezuela’s elections have generally been regarded as fair by both the opposition and international observers.

The National Electoral Commission has guaranteed transparency on Election Day, saying that Venezuelans have faith in the country’s democratic electoral process.