The presidents of Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Chile, Surinam and Guyana attended the summit.

BBC: South American Summit

But despite the odds against his opponent, Mr Chavez might do well to remember that presidents born in the state of Tachira have governed Venezuela for 62 of the past 100 years.

ECONOMIST: Venezuela

While reports from CNN affiliate Globovision Wednesday included discussions of political uncertainty, state television broadcasts showed presidents and foreign ministers arriving in Venezuela, walking on a red carpet at the airport as soldiers stood guard.

CNN: With Chavez still in Cuba, Venezuela plans rally