Venezuela's Acting President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday called on women to vote, saying that never in history women were taken into account as much as during the government of late president Hugo Chavez.

"Do not be fooled, we never would have lied to the people, nor can we ever lie, not to get poisoned," he said.

"Let's vote with conscious and freedom in this democratic country. We have a perfect electoral system, I'm not going to complain if I lose by one vote, but if I win I win by one vote and I will be the President of the Republic for the next six years, in the name of my commander Chavez, "he said.

Moreover, he stressed that the electoral system has become the "most reliable, transparent and fast, internationally recognized" system in the whole world.

He made the remarks after casting his vote in the voting station at Miguel Antonio Caro College, Caracas. "We are breaking records for participation with 11.5 million Venezuelans having already voted," he said, adding the number is "fabulous."

Maduro said he never thought to be in the situation of being a candidate for president, as he always looked "around Hugo Chavez's dreams", but said he is now "fighting alongside the people" after the death of Chavez.

More than 18.9 million registered voters are eligible to participate in the election to choose between former President Hugo Chavez's revolutionary path led by acting President Nicolas Maduro and the opposition's liberal road led by Henrique Capriles.

The polling stations opened at 6 a.m. local time (1030 GMT) and will close at 6 p.m. (2230 GMT). The final results are expected later Sunday night. Endi

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