CARACAS - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will officially register his candidacy in upcoming presidential elections in a bid to secure a third six-year term to continue his socialist reforms, his campaign manager announced Wednesday.

At a press conference held in the capital Caracas, campaign chief Jorge Rodriguez said the head of state would personally make his candidacy official on Monday, June 11, the deadline set by the national electoral board (CNE).

Monday will mark a rare public appearance for Chavez, 57, who is recovering from five rounds of radiation therapy to treat cancer. He has also undergone surgery three times to remove tumors.

Rodriguez said "a sea of people will join our candidate" at CNE's headquarters in downtown Caracas.

Rival candidate Henrique Capriles, governor of eastern Miranda state, is also planning a public rally Monday, though he is expected to register his candidacy in the October 7 race on Sunday.  

While Chavez enjoys a substantial lead over his opponent, his health could dampen his hopes for re-election if his condition deteriorates.

Rodriguez said Chavez will be spending the next few days outlining his government program, as required by the CNE of all candidates running for elected office.

The only other candidate in the race, Capriles was nominated in February to represent a coalition of opposition groups, following primary elections, the first ever held in Venezuela, in which more than 3 million voters participated.

Capriles, 39, handed over the reigns of state government to his executive secretary Adriana D'Elia to dedicate himself to campaigning full-time.