CARACAS, Venezuela - President Hugo Chavez told hundreds of thousands of red-clad supporters Sunday that he will win re-election next weekend by an overwhelming margin and dedicate his victory to ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez speaks during his closing campaign rally in Caracas November 26, 2006. Venezuela's presidential election will be held December 3, 2006. [AP]

Chavez noted the Dec. 3 election will be the same weekend that Cuba celebrates the 50th anniversary of Castro's arrival in Cuba with other armed rebels aboard a yacht to launch the guerrilla war that eventually brought him to power.

"This victory on Dec. 3 ... we're going to dedicate it to the 50 years since the arrival of the revolutionary boat Granma led by Fidel Castro to the coast of Cuba," Chavez said to cheers. "Fidel, applause from Venezuela! Long live Cuba! Long live revolutionary Cuba!"

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