CARACAS - POLLS opened across Venezuela on Sunday in elections for governors and mayors seen as a popularity test for leftist President Hugo Chavez, one year after the anti-US leader lost a referendum on extending his authority.

Polling stations opened at around 6:00 am (6.30 pm Singapore time) and were due to close at 4:30 pm (4.40am Singapore time).

Around 17 million Venezuelans are eligible to vote for 22 governors, 328 mayors and 233 heads of regional councils for four-year terms. -- AFP