( CNN ) -- Less than six weeks after President Hugo Chavez 's death , Venezuelans will head to the polls Sunday to pick a new leader . It will be the second time in just over six months that voters in the south American country have cast ballots in a presidential election . Chavez , who ruled Venezuela for 14 years , celebrated a triumphant re-election victory in October . After his death on March 5 , authorities announced new elections to select his successor . Who 's running to replace Chavez ? Nicolas Maduro , 50 , is a candidate for the United Socialist Party of Venezuela . Henrique Capriles Radonski , 40 , represents a coalition of opposition parties . Maduro started his career as a bus driver in Caracas , rose through the ranks as a union leader and eventually became part of Chavez 's inner circle . He has been the interim leader since Chavez 's death , and served as vice president and foreign minister in his administration . Capriles is the former governor of Miranda state . He lost to Chavez in October 's presidential vote , coming within 10 percentage points of the longtime leader . It was a significant gap , but the closest any opposition candidate ever came to defeating Chavez during his rule . Maduro has pledged to continue Chavez 's plan to build `` 21st century socialism . '' Capriles says he pushing a more moderate approach , promising to continue social programs and improve the country 's economy . READ MORE : Maduro : From bus driver to presidential candidate . READ MORE : Capriles ' second chance to defeat 'Chavismo ' What are the key issues at stake ? Crime , inflation and food shortages are key problems on the minds of many in the nation . But heated rhetoric on the campaign trail has focused more on personal attacks between the candidates and sparring over the legacy of Chavez . No matter who wins , the question of what will happen in Venezuela without Chavez at the helm looms large over the elections . How many people are expected to cast ballots ? More than 18.9 million Venezuelans are registered to vote in the presidential election . Venezuela 's National Electoral Council estimates that more than 100,000 Venezuelans will vote abroad at diplomatic offices in 88 countries . There are more than 37,681 Venezuelans registered to vote in the United States , according to government figures . Who will be watching ? In addition to representatives from national organizations serving as observers , Venezuela 's National Electoral Council says 170 foreigners have been invited to witness the elections . The international group includes delegations from the Union of South American Nations and the Atlanta-based Carter Center . READ MORE : Chavez 's impact on Venezuela lauded at funeral . READ MORE : What 's next ? Chavez 's death leaves many questions . READ MORE : Hugo Chavez 's death draws sympathy , anger .
Maduro , Capriles will square off in Sunday 's presidential vote . The election occurred less than six weeks after the death of Chavez . More than one million Venezuelans are registered to vote . The economy and crime are key issues at stake .