Hugo Chavez calls for high turnout at Venezuela presidential election

“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,” Chavez said in an address to a crowd of his supporters in the northern city of Maracay on Wednesday.

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.

In the northwestern town of Guanare, Capriles told his supporters, “Each one of you must overcome fear, beat obstacles, and on Sunday we will win.”

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

Chavez has said that the opposition may seek to destabilize the country in case of a loss.