Venezuelans vote in post-Chavez presidential pollApril 14, 2013 - 16:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Venezuelans are voting Sunday, April 14 in a key presidential election that will test the socialist legacy of late President Hugo Chavez, RIA Novosti reported. Chavez’s protégé, acting President Nicolas Maduro is facing off against opposition candidate Henrique Capriles. In his election campaign, Maduro has pledged to push forward Chavez's "21st century socialism,” which has brought popular health, education and food programs to the poor. Maduro’s challenger Capriles has said Venezuelans are tired of divisive "Chavista" politics and vowed to bring change to the nation of 28 million people. The latest opinion polls show that Maduro has a convincing lead over his opposition rival. Chavez, who ruled Venezuela for 14 years, died on March 5 at the age of 58 after a two-year-long fight with cancer. He named Maduro as his successor before undergoing the latest surgery in December. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |