Venezuelans Turn Out In Crowds to Vote in Today's`Presidential Election

A large number of Venezuelans turned out to the polls Sunday during what is being called a landmark election.

The New York Times reports that people took to the polls as early as 3 a.m. in the country's poorer neighborhoods.

"I've been voting here my whole life and it's the first time I've seen such a long line," said Elsi Fernandes, 33, who stood in line with her 6-year-old daughter," according to the Times.

The is the first time since Chávez took office in 1999 that he had such a major challenge at the polls.

Chavez is facing centrist Henrique Capriles.

"Today we decide the future of our Venezuela," Capriles said on Twitter. "Today we are millions of Davids! God will be our guide," he added, referring to his depiction of the vote as the biblical underdog's battle against Goliath.

Reuters says even the United States has an interest in this election because Chavez has used record oil revenue to support ideological allies around the world while "preaching a fiercely anti-American line.

Reuters said that Chavez loyalists in poor neighborhoods, where he has his biggest following, blew bugles and trumpets in order to make sure everyone was awake to vote.

If elected, Capriles said he promises to keep some of Chavez's popular social programs, Reuters reports.

Voting runs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (1030-2230 GMT), although polls will stay open later if there are still queues. Results are due any time starting late on Sunday evening.

The electoral authority says it will only announce the results once there is an "irreversible trend" and parties are barred from declaring victory in advance of that announcement.