Venezuela's opposition on Thursday challenged the results of last month's presidential poll won by the late Hugo Chavez's successor, further muddying an already messy transition to life without the divisive leader. The center-right opposition in the oil-rich South American nation filed its formal challenge with the Supreme Court, even though it says the tribunal is loaded with pro-Chavez judges and certain to reject the challenge.

Venezuela opposition leader Henrique Capriles announced Wednesday he would formally contest results from last month's presidential poll, as both sides held rival May Day rallies in Caracas. Capriles told supporters at his demonstration in eastern Caracas that the formal challenge would be presented to the Supreme Court on Thursday. He had been under a Monday deadline if he wanted to file with the top court.

CARACAS, Venezuela - Venezuela's postelection tensions erupted into a brawl between lawmakers Tuesday night that left at least one opposition member badly bruised and bleeding. Pro-government legislators started throwing punches after members of the opposition coalition unfurled a banner in the National Assembly protesting a postelection ban stripping opposition lawmakers of most of their legislative powers, opposition lawmaker Ismael Garcia told The Associated Press. Video showed groups of legislators shoving and pushing each other on the floor.

Venezuelan authorities on Monday began a partial audit of the disputed election won by the late Hugo Chavez's handpicked successor, as the opposition rejected the move as insufficient. Opposition leader Henrique Capriles, who says he was the real winner of the April 14 presidential vote, has accused election officials of rejecting his appeal for a full recount on the orders of the ruling Socialist Party.