Venezuelan pastor fills presidential void left by opposition

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — With two months to go before Venezuela's presidential election, the only challenger to jump in the ring against President Nicolas Maduro is a little-known television evangelist who was once arrested for fuel smuggling and has a range of business ventures.

Despite his questioned past and the steep odds against him, the Rev. Javier Bertucci claims that he uniquely speaks to the vast majority of struggling Venezuelans disillusioned with both the opposition and Maduro's unpopular government. He calls himself the "candidate of hope" and says that Jesus Christ would surely support his candidacy.

"I'm the only one who can guarantee the governability of the country," Bertucci said in an interview. "I've traveled the country for eight years, seen the tears of mothers. ... No other leader can awaken the aching hearts of the Venezuelans."


Source : Yahoo News