Venezuelans have been deciding whether to honour Hugo Chavez's dying wish for a longtime loyalist to continue his hardline socialism or hand power to a young challenger vowing business-friendly changes.
Acting President Nicolas Maduro had a double-digit lead in most polls, largely thanks to his former boss's public blessing before he died from cancer last month. But the gap has narrowed in the final days, with one survey putting it at seven percentage points.
His opposition rival, Miranda state Governor Henrique Capriles, says Venezuelans are tired of divisive "Chavista" politics and that his support has surged enough for him to pull off a surprise win.
Mr Maduro, a 50-year-old former bus driver who has trumpeted his working-class roots at every rally, is promising to push forward Mr Chavez's "21st century socialism" if he triumphs.
"We're going to have a giant victory. The bigger the margin, the more peaceful the country will be," he said. "If the gap is smaller, it is only because they [the opposition] managed to confuse a group of Venezuelans."
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