Courtesy of: AP / Ariana Cubillos

After announcing to Venezuelans that he is “free of cancer,” Hugo Chávez has returned to the campaign trail to show his strength. Despite the announcement, speculation continues about who might replace the president in the case of his death. Chávez continues to wage war on independent media and use nationally syndicated broadcasts to spread his message and silence his opponent. While he espouses democratic politics, he recently used the police block opposition candidate Henrique Capriles entrance into a pro-Chávez area, accusing Capriles of trying to incite violence. Recognizing the problems in the campaign, the National Electoral Council is drafting an agreement to maintain peace and fairness. Meanwhile, Capriles addresses the military to ask them to stay out of politics, Chávez continues his increased social spending ahead of the elections, and looks to increase his social media reach.

Chavez Hits Campaign Trail in Bid to Prove He’s Cancer-Free, Bloomberg

Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez is hitting the campaign trail today in an attempt to persuade voters his battle with cancer hasn’t diminished his vitality ahead of what’s shaping up to be his toughest election.

Venezuela Begins Debate On Future Without Chavez, NPR

In Venezuela, people are beginning to talk about what was once unthinkable: Just who could succeed the all-powerful President Hugo Chavez?

Venezuela’s Chavez Uses National Address to Slam Opposition, Bloomberg

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez used a system of national broadcasting known as “cadena” today to criticize Henrique Capriles Radonski, the opposition candidate he will face in elections set for Oct. 7.

Chávez’s War on the Media, Wall Street Journal

Suppose the country you live in is holding a presidential election and the incumbent is running for another term.

Chavez Allies: Rivals Should Not Campaign in Slums, ABCNews

Allies of Hugo Chavez said Sunday that opposition presidential candidate Henrique Capriles is trying to provoke violence by campaigning in areas that have been bastions of support for Venezuela’s leader.

The Contradictions of Chávez’s Politics, International Herald Tribune

It’s election season in Venezuela: on Oct. 7, Hugo Chávez faces his most serious test at the polls in almost 14 years in office.

Venezuela Election Board Calls for Peaceful Presidential Campaigns, Wall Street Journal

Venezuelan election officials said Thursday they were drafting an agreement to be signed by presidential candidates that aims to maintain peace and fairness during a campaign season where mudslinging has become common and amid rising concerns about violence.

Chavez foe addresses military ahead of election, AP

Opposition presidential candidate Henrique Capriles urged Venezuela’s armed forces to stay out of politics in a carefully crafted plea Thursday to an institution that has long been molded by President Hugo Chavez.

Chavez: stepping up the handouts, BeyondBrics

Maybe you can’t buy love, but you can sure buy votes – or at the very least try to, which is what it looks like Hugo Chávez is doing by pouring billions into a new pension programme less than 100 days before presidential elections are due.

UPDATE 1-Chavez re-election team expands social media reach via Twitter, Reuters

Venezuela’s verbose Hugo Chavez is reaching out to voters with tweets sent as text messages to even the most basic mobile phones as the socialist president fights a vigorous opposition campaign in the Twitter-mad country ahead of an Oct. 7 election.