THE ELECTION AT A GLANCE

* After two military coup attempts in short sucession, Venezuelans will vote for a new president and congress.

* Eighteen candidates are running for president. For the first time, the two dominant parties are not leading in polls. Voters, angry over economic decline and corruption, want change.

* Depending on the outcome, observers note, Venezuela could have its first multiparty democracy, a protectionist economy, or a military coup.