WHAT'S THE STORY?

Venezuelans go to the polls today in what essentially amounts to a referendum on the controversial rule of President Hugo Chavez (RIGHT).

The election has divided the country in two, between those who love Chavez and those who despise him. The division is mostly along class lines, with the poor rolling in behind the current president and the wealthy backing his rival, Manuel Rosales.

WHAT ARE THEY SAYING?

Both sides are claiming that the other is refusing to play clean, with widespread fears over street protests regardless of the outcome of the voting.

Chavez has claimed that the US is planning to destabilise his government should be be returned to power. "If the imperialists and its lackeys try to destabilize Venezuela with riots, they will regret it for the rest of their lives. I warn them, " he said.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Chavez has already ruled Venezuela for eight years and opponents, including the White House, are desperate to get him out of of"ce. However, he is hugely popular amongst the poor of Venezuela, and in a country where the poor outnumber the rich, that can have a huge effect on elections.

Some polls have given Chavez a large lead, while others have placed Rosales (RIGHT) in the lead. The EU will be on hand to monitor voting.