Updated

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has held an impromptu news conference on the eve of what is expected to be his closest election yet, but he refused to answer tough questions such as whether he would quit politics if he lost.

Chavez excused himself from responding by citing election law, which prohibits candidates from making political statements in the two days before election day.

His challenger, Henrique Capriles, has not appeared in public since Thursday in compliance with election law.

Asked about the possibility of disputes or unrest after Sunday's voting, Chavez says he hopes his opponents don't attempt what he calls a "destabilizing game." If that happens, he adds, "we'll be alert to neutralize them."

Chavez's news conference with international media lasted more an hour Saturday.