Venezuela's military: Potential arbiter and wild card in Venezuela's presidential election

CARACAS, Venezuela – The shadow of the Venezuelan military hangs over Sunday's presidential election, with many people wondering how the armed forces might react if President Hugo Chavez stumbles in his fight to stay in power.

Chavez has spent nearly 14 years consolidating control over state institutions, but ultimately only the military has the clout to determine who will prevail if the election results are close and disputed.

Analyst Diego Moya-Ocampos of IBS Global Insight says the military will the the key arbiter if Capriles manages to eke out a narrow victory and Chavez's side resists.