February 11, 2012 9:53 AM

Chavez opponents rally supporters ahead of vote

* CORRECTS YEAR * Presidential opposition candidate Pablo Perez delivers a speech at his campaign rally in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday Feb. 9, 2012. In the run-up to the Feb. 12th primary, Perez looks to be one of the favorites to face President Hugo Chavez in the presidential election on Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

* CORRECTS YEAR * Presidential opposition candidate Pablo Perez delivers a speech at his campaign rally in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday Feb. 9, 2012. In the run-up to the Feb. 12th primary, Perez looks to be one of the favorites to face President Hugo Chavez in the presidential election on Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) (Ariana Cubillos)

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan opposition presidential contender Pablo Perez is urging public employees to join his supporters and vote in a Sunday primary election that will choose a single challenger to face President Hugo Chavez.

The opposition coalition has accused the government of pressuring public employees not to vote in the primary, which is open to all of Venezuela's 18 million registered voters. The opposition has not provided evidence for its claim.

Perez is governor of western Zulia state and said at a rally as campaigning closed Thursday that he has gained support among the poor.

© 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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