The governor of Venezuela's Miranda state says he plans to run for the presidency next year, challenging President Hugo Chavez.
Governor Henrique Capriles made the announcement Tuesday, saying he wants to be "president of all Venezuelans." Capriles also said he would seek the endorsement of a divided opposition to challenge President Chavez, who has been in office since 1999 and is seeking a new six-year term.
An opposition primary is scheduled for February 2012, with the presidential election set for later in the year.
Because of a constitutional amendment passed in 2009, there are no term limits for Venezuelan elected officials.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.