( CNN ) -- For the first time in 14 years , Hugo Chavez is n't running for president in Venezuela . But his legacy has loomed large over weeks of intense campaigning . And his words still echo through the South American country -- literally . At rallies , a recording of Chavez 's voice belting out the national anthem booms through loudspeakers . A phrase Chavez used has become a campaign slogan for Nicolas Maduro , the man Chavez tapped to be his successor . Thursday was no exception . State-run VTV aired video of Maduro waving to supporters at a Caracas rally marking the end of his campaign . His official campaign theme song blared in the background . The song -- `` Maduro from my heart '' -- begins with Chavez 's voice , endorsing Maduro 's candidacy , . The catchy tune includes lyrics like `` with Chavez and Maduro the people are safe , '' `` Chavez forever , Maduro for president '' and `` Chavez , I swear to you , my vote is for Maduro . '' Less than six weeks after Chavez 's death , Venezuelans head to the polls Sunday to pick a new leader . Maduro , a member of Chavez 's inner circle during his 14-year rule , has pledged to continue Chavez 's efforts to build `` 21st century socialism . '' Opposition candidate Henrique Capriles Radonski says he is pushing a more moderate approach , promising to continue social programs and improve the country 's economy . Both candidates closed their campaigns with massive rallies on Thursday , vowing to win decisive victories in Sunday 's election . Before Maduro spoke to supporters , a large screen behind him showed videos of Chavez on the campaign trail last year , dancing alongside supporters and singing the national anthem . Members of Chavez 's family surrounded Maduro onstage , hugging him and pumping their fists in support . When he registered to run for the presidency , Maduro told supporters , `` I am not Chavez , but I am his son . '' At one rally , he told supporters that Chavez appeared to him in the form of a little bird to give him spiritual support . The frequent references to Chavez have drawn criticism from many in the opposition . One opposition website alleges that Maduro has said Chavez 's name more than 7,000 times in public appearances since the president 's death on March 5 . `` In recent days they were talking about a little bird , and I said , my God , with so many problems that there are in Venezuela , we have someone who believes in little birds , '' Capriles said at a recent rally . Capriles has criticized Maduro for invoking Chavez since the outset of the campaign . `` Make no mistake , Nicolas , '' Capriles said at a rally with supporters last month , `` do not hide behind the image of the president . Let him rest in peace . '' While opposition figures have mocked Maduro 's recent reference to the bird , Maduro and his supporters have embraced it . VTV showed a bird perched on Maduro 's shoulders at the outset of Thursday 's rally . Maduro has said he 's proud to continue `` Chavismo , '' the political movement Chavez started . Throngs of dedicated followers still call themselves Chavistas in devotion to the former president . Some analysts have questioned whether Maduro will have the charisma to maintain their support . At Capriles ' campaign closing rally on Thursday , one supporter waved a large sign above the crowd . `` I was a Chavista , '' it said . `` Now I am a Caprilista . '' Maduro told supporters on Thursday that Chavez remains at the helm . `` This is Chavez 's post , '' Maduro said , gesturing toward the lectern where he stood . `` Chavez is still leading with his example and his love . '' CNN 's Rafael Romo contributed to this report .
NEW : Capriles and Maduro hold massive rallies to close their presidential campaigns . Maduro 's campaign theme song features Hugo Chávez 's voice . Chávez has criticized Maduro for ` ` hiding behind '' Chavez . Shortly before his death , Chavez nominated Maduro to be his successor .