Chavez says 'totally free' of cancer

CARACAS - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Monday he was "totally free" of cancer and feeling stronger by the day, in an apparent bid to brush away fears over his health in the run-up to the presidential election.

In his first press conference since officially registered to run for a third six-year term in the October 7 race, Chavez told reporters, "I firmly believe that physical shortcomings ... will not play a role in this campaign."

"I feel in better physical condition every day," he said.

The 57-year-old candidate admited he was no longer as fit as in his 40s and must look after himself. "I had been walking for exercise and now I have started to give a little trot."

He also took a jab at his rival, opposition candidate Henrique Capriles, at the press conference, saying that it was harder to overcome "or hide serious intellectual shortcomings."

Chavez' health became a central issue of Venezuelan presidential campaign when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 and traveled back and forth to Cuba for surgeries and subsequent radiation therapy.

Polls indicate Chavez enjoys an ample lead over Capriles, though observers say that could change if his health deteriorates.