(CNN) -- For the first time in 14 years, Hugo Chavez isn'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.
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NEW: Capriles and Maduro hold massive rallies to close their presidential campaigns
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Maduro's campaign theme song features Hugo Chavez's voice
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Capriles has criticized Maduro for "hiding behind" Chavez
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Shortly before his death, Chavez tapped Maduro to be his successor
Less than six weeks after Chavez's death, @placeholder head to the polls Sunday to pick a new leader.
VTV showed a bird perched on @placeholder's shoulders at the outset of Thursday's rally.