Chavez rallies thousands launching re-election bid

[Judi Lynn]

Chavez rallies thousands launching re-election bid
Fabiola Sanchez, Associated Press, Caracas, Venezuela | Tue, 06/12/2012 7:14 AM



President Hugo Chavez rallied tens of thousands of supporters on Monday, wearing his signature red beret and singing a folk song as he formalized his presidential candidacy and launched his re-election bid.

Chavez waved and blew kisses to crowds as he rode atop a truck to the country's elections office, then picked up a document registering as a candidate. Afterward, he stepped onto a stage and energetically sang along with a band to a traditional tune from the rural plains where he was born. Chavez laughed and danced briefly on stage.

The 57-year-old leader, a former army paratroop commander first elected in 1998, is seeking another six-year term in the Oct. 7 presidential vote. His struggle with cancer has recently forced him to scale back his public appearances and has raised questions about whether his health may interfere with the re-election campaign.

"It was a difficult year," Chavez said in a speech to cheering crowd. "Here I am, before you again!"

More:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/06/12/chavez-rallies-thousands-launching-re-election-bid.html

[Judi Lynn]

1. Found another photo:

[center] [/center]

[Judi Lynn]

2. And another photo:

[center][/center]

[Judi Lynn]

3. Found a video of the registration for candidacy by Hugo Chavez on June 11, 2012.

Of course there was not a parade, but there was a large gathering at the location where he went to register his candidacy.

Hugo Chávez Candidato de la Patria Venezuela. Inscrioción ante el pueblo en el CNE
Google translation: Hugo Chavez Venezuela Candidate of the country. Inscrioción to the people at the CNE