Seeking reelection to strengthen revolutionary govt

CARACAS - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Tuesday that he was running for reelection to consolidate his revolutionary government, expressing his confidence over winning the Oct 7 election.

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez talks to the media during a news conference in Caracas Sept 11, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

"Twenty years aren't enough to consolidate the revolutionary project," Chavez, accompanied by his campaign team and close political ally Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro, told a press conference.

Chavez, who has governed Venezuela for 14 years and is hoping to extend his presidency by another six-year term, leveled most of his criticism at the economic policies of his main rival Henrique Capriles, who he has dubbed "the candidate of the bourgeoisie".

The 40-year-old Capriles, who comes from a wealthy family, is the candidate of the opposition coalition of conservative and pro-business parties.

"We are carrying out a program that is successful politically, socially, economically," said Chavez, urging his supporters to give him more time.

The incumbent president said he would use the next tenure, 2013-2019, to continue the redistribution of wealth by increasing the minimum wage and use other measures to promote equality.

"There is no doubt that we are going to win," Chavez said, adding that he aimed to garner 70 percent of the vote in October.

Recent polls showed a narrowing margin between Chavez and Capriles, indicating the contest was getting more fierce.

According to a recent phone survey of 1,200 people by pollster Datanalisis, 43.1 percent of those surveyed said they would vote for Chavez, with 30 percent opting for Capriles.

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez talks to the media during a news conference in Caracas Sept 11, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]