Reuters
Tuesday, November 28, 2006

The United States warned people to stockpile food, water and medicine in Venezuela in case a vote on Sunday sparks public disorder as anti-U.S. President Hugo Chavez seeks reelection.

In a warning to Americans living in Venezuela, which provides about 12 percent of U.S. oil imports, the U.S. Embassy said on Tuesday it had no information Venezuela would slip into lawlessness.

But it warned on its Web site (http://caracas.usembassy.gov/wwwh2848.html) that the measures would be a sensible precaution in a polarized nation where politics often stokes violent street protests and strikes.

Chavez says he is running against the United States, which he accuses of trying to destabilize his government.

The embassy advice, which noted the government's anti-American sentiment, came as many Venezuelans followed their own time-honored safeguard of buying candles, canned food and bottled water in case of any post-vote emergency.

Polls generally show Chavez comfortably winning another six-year term based on huge backing from the poor majority who have benefited from his high social spending.

His rival Manuel Rosales has united the opposition but draws his support mainly from the minority ranks of the upper- and middle-classes.

Chavez has warned the opposition will cry fraud, mobilize street protests and try to foment a military revolt. The opposition denies the charges.

U.S. Embassies worldwide regularly issue warnings to Americans abroad to take precautions before major political events in volatile countries.