Millions of Venezuelans voted in the country's presidential election. Socialist Nicolas Maduro faces the biggest challenge of his party's 25-year rule.
The 61-year-old dictator is vying for a third six-year term at the helm of the once oil-rich country, whose GDP has fallen 80 percent in a decade under his rule. More than seven million of its people have emigrated from the country.
Maduro has been accused of cracking down on critics and persecuting the opposition amid growing authoritarianism.
Independent polls suggest the vote could end 25 years of rule by Chavismo, the populist movement founded by Maduro's socialist predecessor and mentor, the late Hugo Chavez.
But analysts say the president is unlikely to concede defeat to opposition challenger Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who is seen as the almost certain winner by a wide margin.
"We pray they don't steal the election. They always have," 68-year-old voter Mercedes Enriquez told AFP in Caracas.
"And if they do? Well, we have to take to the streets. For my vote. For my children - two of whom live abroad, along with six of my grandchildren," she added.
Maduro warned of a "bloodbath" if she loses. He vowed to ensure that the final result of the regime-dominated electoral body, the CNE, was "protected".
CNE head Elvis Amoroso described opposition figures as "enemies of Venezuela".
Based on its own figures, the regime insists it will prevail over González Urrutia, a 74-year-old former diplomat who was reluctantly elevated to head the opposition list after the movement's hugely popular leader, Maria Corina Machado, was disqualified.
Maduro relies on a flawed electoral mechanism, military leadership and state institutions in a well-oiled system.
González Urrutia said the opposition was "ready to defend" the vote and expressed confidence that "our armed forces will respect the decision of our people".
Machado cited figures showing that more than 9 million people had voted by midday on 28 July - suggesting a "historic" turnout.
Polling stations were officially closed after 12 hours of voting at 6pm local time. | BGNES
