Venezuela sets presidential elections for October 2012

Electoral authorities in Venezuela have announced that the presidential election will be held on October 7, next year.



The date is earlier than expected, as Venezuela's presidential polls are usually held in December.



President Hugo Chavez said he will seek another term to continue his left-wing revolution, despite undergoing treatment for cancer.



The main opposition coalition will choose a candidate to stand against him in a primary on February 12.



Chavez immediately expressed his confidence that he would win a third six-year term.