Presidential candidates in Venezuela held closing rallies Thursday ahead of Sunday’s election. President Hugo Chávez is facing challenger Henrique Capriles in what could be the toughest challenge of his 14-year rule. Chávez, who is recovering from recent cancer surgeries, addressed hundreds of thousands of supporters in Caracas.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez: “You all know that there were several times that I was about to die for being faithful to the Venezuelan people. And that is my path. I will not fail you. I will always be faithful to the Venezuelan people.”

Chávez’s opponent, Henrique Capriles, held a rally in the Venezuelan state of Lara Thursday. In his remarks, he addressed Chávez directly, saying it was time for a change.

Henrique Capriles: “I want to tell you: your term ends. I thank you infinitely from my heart that you, during this campaign, allowed me to see clearly the route we must take — the route of love, not hate; the route toward light, not darkness; the route of love and commitment to the people, not of insult nor hate.”