Hugo Chavez Returns to Cuba and Names Maduro as Sucessor

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez had planned to travel to Cuba yesterday to undergo a new operation against cancer. Due to the seriousness of his illness Chavez named as his successor and political heir Vice President Nicolás Maduro. The departure of Chavez has left Venezuela in total uncertainty.

On his return to La Habana, the Venezuelan president will undergo its fourth surgical intervention since mid-2011. Following the uncertainty of his return to the presidency, Chavez pointed the way to be followed in case he cannot resume his term next January 10.

“Nicolas Maduro not only in this situation should end his rule as the period stated in the Constitution, but my firm opinion, full moon fully and irrevocable absolute, total, is that in that scenario would force to call presidential elections, please elect Nicolas Maduro as President elect Maduro … as President, I ask from my heart,” said the Venezuelan leader.

Henrique Capriles, former presidential candidate, said Chavez’s decision to appoint as his successor Nicolas Maduro. Capriles remarked that, “there is no figure of succession” in Venezuela. Additionally said “This is not Cuba or a monarchy where a king gets to the throne and then designates who should be in it,” said Capriles and warned it will be a totally different scenario if Maduro emerges as candidate in elections that must be called in case of the President is unable to exercise the mandate he should start next January 10.