(11 Jun 2012) Opposition leader Henrique Capriles marched through Venezuela's capital on Sunday as he formally launched his candidacy to run against President Hugo Chavez.
Surrounded by supporters waving red, yellow and blue Venezuelans flags, Capriles marched and jogged from a park in eastern Caracas towards the headquarters of the National Elections Council, 6 miles (10 kilometres) away, where he formally registered.
Capriles has vowed to create employment, fight crime and root out corruption, though most polls show him trailing Chavez ahead of the October 7 election.
Chavez, a former paratroop commander who is seeking a new six-year term in office, has sought to dismiss his rival by accusing him of representing the interests of the wealthy.
Capriles, meanwhile, has said his political approach is similar to that of former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a leftist labour leader who promoted pro-business policies while funding expansive social programmes as president that made him popular among the poor.
Capriles stepped down as governor of Miranda state this week to focus on the campaign.
Chavez is scheduled to formalise his candidacy on Monday.
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