CARACAS, June 12: Thousands of supporters thronged the streets of Caracas to join cancer-stricken Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez as he registered to run for reelection amid ongoing concerns about his health.
“There will be 10, there will be 10, 10 million, there will be 10,” marchers decked out in the ruling socialist party’s signature red chanted yesterday in a reference to the 10 million votes by which the president has said he will win in October.
“Each one of us is a soldier for Chavez, and we are going to get out the vote for the president,” said Ana Luzardo, a social worker and staunch Chavez backer.
In May, the 57-year-old Chavez—who has been in power since 1999 — sought treatment in Cuba, his closest regional ally, after a recurrence of the cancer which he first disclosed last year.
The Venezuelan government has disclosed few details about Chavez’s health, leading to intense speculation over the political future of Latin America’s most prominent leftist leader, who is seeking reelection on October 7.
Chavez seems keen to quash any speculation that he might not be healthy enough to run again for office.
It was not immediately known if Chavez would make the journey by car or on foot to the National Elections Board.
The president said Saturday that he feels “quite fit” after several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation to treat his cancer.
On Sunday, thousands of Venezuelans marched in the streets of the capital to show support for opposition candidate Henrique Capriles, 39, as he formally registered to take on Chavez. (AGENCIES)
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