Venezuelan election looms

PLEASE NOTE THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Tens of thousands gather in support of President Hugo Chavez, just days before Venezuela goes to the polls for the presidential vote.

Before polling stations open on Sunday (October 7), Chavez and rival, Henrique Capriles, have launched a final push for votes.

Fifty-eight-year-old Chavez has stepped up his campaign in recent days.

In Maracay, he urged a high voter turnout, and even helped with the music to rally the crowd.

SOUNDBITE: PRESIDENT HUGO CHAVEZ ON STAGE SAYING (Spanish):

"Without a doubt, I have made some mistakes but I am absolutely willing to work harder, to demand more from my teams and give the people more power so that we are more efficient in government over the next six years."

Opposition candidate Capriles headed to the western state of Portuguesa to meet his supporters.

Opinion polls suggest the rivals are fighting a close race in the election.

Data shows Capriles is currently trailing behind Chavez, who holds a narrow lead.