Comic signs up to take on Chavez

Accompanied by a donkey, a popular Venezuela comedian on Wednesday signed up as a candidate to challenge Hugo Chavez in presidential elections.

Benjamin Rausseo - better known as his stage persona, a country bumpkin called the Count of Guacharo - was greeted by hundreds of cheering supporters.

Mr Rausseo said Mr Chavez's seven years in power had brought "only words, speeches and hate".

Polls put Mr Chavez far ahead of his rivals in December's elections.
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