Regional elections began in Venezuela

The elections of governors and mayors began in Venezuela - for the first time they take place in the absence of President Hugo Chavez, which is restored in Cuba after the next operation. In the state of Miranda, the former rival of Chavez in the presidential race Enrique Kapriles claims for the post of governor.

To participate in the elections of governors, 23 states registered 135 candidates. At the same time, the Venezuens will have to elect deputies of regional legislative councils.

In 16 of the 23 states, where the elections will be held, governors from the Unified Socialist Party of Venezuela, which is headed by Chavez, rule. Seven states are in the hands of the opposition. This time, the key state will not be Sulia, where the main part of the country's oil production is concentrated, but Miranda, where the current governor Enrique Capricles, who lost on October 7, the Presidential election, and Elias Haua, who until recently was the country's vice president compete.

According to local observers, the political career of Capriles is put on the map. In case of victory, he has a real chance to secure the role of the leader of the united opposition, while losing threatens him with the end of his career.

The inauguration of Chavez, which began the fourth term as the president, should take place in January 2013.