Supporters of the two main presidential candidates in Venezuela have been gathering for their final rallies before the election on Sunday.
Nearly 19m Venezuelans are registered to vote in a tightly contested race.
Tens of thousands of supporters of President Hugo Chavez, who is running for a third term, have filled the main avenues of the capital, Caracas.
His main opponent, Henrique Capriles, is expecting to match those crowds as he speaks in the city of Barquisimeto.
Mr Chavez says he needs another six years to consolidate his social reform programme.
If he wins the vote and finishes his term, he will have been in power for 20 consecutive years.
Mr Capriles, a 40-year-old lawyer and former state governor, has promised to boost the economy and create jobs.
‘Big surprise’
This seems to be the tightest presidential race in Venezuela in over a decade, says the BBC’s Sarah Grainger in Caracas.
The campaign has been fiercely contested, with strong language being used and accusations traded between the two camps.
The final rallies before the official end of the election campaign play an important part in the strategy of both candidates.
Seven of Caracas’ main avenues have been closed to traffic, with supporters of President Chavez coming from all over the country.
Mr Chavez finished treatment for cancer less than six months ago and has reassured supporters that he is cured and fit to serve out his term.
He went round the country this week and will end his tour with the rally outside the presidential palace in Caracas.
Mr Capriles has chosen a traditional stronghold of President Chavez, Barquisimeto, in northwestern Lara state, for his final address.
The opposition invited supporters to join Mr Capriles for “el naguarazo”, a local expression that means “big surprise”.
(BBC News)
