Capriles to run in Venezuelan election
Venezuelan opposition leader Henrique Capriles has announced that he will run in next month's presidential election to replace the late Hugo Chavez, CNN reported.
He faces an uphill battle against acting President Nicolas Maduro, who was sworn in last week and was Chavez's hand-picked successor.
According to state news, the candidates have until Monday to register for the April 14 election.
"Nicolas, I will not give you a free path," Capriles told reporters Sunday. "You will have to defeat me with votes."
Capriles, 40, ran against Chavez last year and lost. But he mounted one of the fiercest challenges during the late president's 14 years in power.
He accused the government of manipulating Chavez's death for political gain
"My fight is not to be president. My fight is for Venezuela to move forward," Capriles said Sunday night.
Maduro quickly fired back, appearing on state-run VTV to counter Capriles, calling him irresponsible.
"His aim is to provoke the Venezuelan people," Maduro said. "He's looking for violence."