Venezuela's biggest political parties have joined forces in Congress to change the date of national elections later this year, saying the poll should be simplified.

Presidential, congressional, state and municipal elections were all due to take place on December 6.

Now the vote for congress and state governors will take place a month earlier; local elections will be held next year.

Supporters of the move say it will improve the efficiency and legitimacy of the elections.

Opponents say it is a political ploy because independent candidates and smaller groups lack the resources to fight several election contests.

An independent candidate, Hugo Chavez, currently leads the opinion polls for president.