Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez calls for peace on the eve polls that could pose the fiercest challenge to his 14-year-rule.<br/> <br />His main opponent is 40-year-old, Henrique Capriles - a state governor who has run a marathon eight-month campaign uniting the historically fractured opposition.<br/> <br />Polls show Chavez in front.<br/> <br />The fierce U.S. critic has used record oil revenues to support ideological allies around the world.<br/> <br />This election will watched closely from the U.S. to Belarus to Iran.<br/> <br />His young challenger has edged close to an upset.<br/> <br />Capriles is a centrist politician who wants to copy Brazil's model of respect for private enterprise, along with strong welfare programs.<br/> <br />The campaign has not seen a feared sustained violence among supporters.<br/> <br />But the president's critics worry the worst could be ahead should the president refuse to admit defeat if the vote doesn't go his way.<br/> <br />Venezuelans heading to the polls Sunday will use an electronic ballot system, with the winner set to be announced only after counting shows a candidate has an irreversible lead.
