CARACAS, Venezuela — Opposition leader Henrique Capriles Radonski is set to announce he will run in elections to replace Hugo Chavez, setting up a make-or-break encounter against Nicolas Maduro, the late president’s handpicked successor, a close adviser to the candidate says.
“He will accept” the nomination, the adviser told The Associated Press yesterday, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the decision publicly ahead of a formal announcement scheduled for later in the day.
Other opposition sources refused to comment, but a political consultant at ORC Consultores also said Radonski would run.
“He will put himself forward,” said Oswaldo Ramirez. “History is giving Capriles Radonski an important role.”
Venezuela’s election commission has set April 14 as the date for the election, with formal campaigning to start just 12 days earlier.