They used to be lovers, but now they are bitter political rivals. As Hugo Chavez prepares for regional elections next Sunday which will prove the biggest test yet for the Venezuelan President, he faces opposition from an unexpected corner - his former wife. Marisabel Rodriguez, 43, is to stand for mayor in Barquisimeto, Venezuela's fourth largest city, about 270 km of Caracas. She is supported by a left-wing independent party Podemos (We can). She has proved both a political irritant and a social embarrassment for Mr Chavez, who faces falling popularity as he enters elections for 22 governors, 328 mayors and 233 regional deputies.
They used to be lovers, but now they are bitter political rivals.
As Hugo Chavez prepares for regional elections next Sunday which will prove the biggest test yet for the Venezuelan President, he faces opposition from an unexpected corner - his former wife.
Marisabel Rodriguez, 43, is to stand for mayor in Barquisimeto, Venezuela's fourth largest city, about 270 km of Caracas. She is supported by a left-wing independent party Podemos (We can).
She has proved both a political irritant and a social embarrassment for Mr Chavez, who faces falling popularity as he enters elections for 22 governors, 328 mayors and 233 regional deputies.
