Chávez makes candidacy formal; vows to recognize electoral results

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez arrived at the National Electoral Council (CNE) headquarters, where he was welcomed by CNE directors Tibisay Lucena, Vicente Díaz, Socorro Hernández and Sandra Oblitas.

Before beginning the formal ceremony, the Head of State appeared at the balcony of the Electoral Power to greet thousands of people gathered at Caracas Square and Diego Ibarra Square.

Upon delivering his government's program, Chávez told CNE authorities. "I am performing the duty to enroll my candidacy, which is the candidacy of the fatherland."

Visibly moved, President Hugo Chavez acknowledged the work done by the National Electoral Council (CNE). "I would like to express my sincere and honest acknowledgment to the electoral power because their actions strengthen the institutions," he said when delivering his government's program to CNE president Tibisay Lucena.

Chávez arrived at the CNE on a truck from the presidential palace of Miraflores with his daughters Rosinés Chávez and Rosa Virginia Chávez, as well as some of his ministers.