Even after death, Chavez gets choice of successor
By The Associated Press
This article was published March 6, 2013 at 7:37 a.m.
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CARACAS, Venezuela — Even in death, Hugo Chavez’s orders are being followed. The man he anointed to succeed him, Vice President Nicolas Maduro, will continue to run Venezuela as interim president and be the governing socialists’ candidate in an election to be called within 30 days.
Foreign Minister Elias Jaua confirmed that Tuesday, just hours after Maduro, tears running down his face, announced the death of Chavez, the larger-than-life former paratroop officer who had presided over Venezuela as virtually a one-man show for more than 14 years.
It was not immediately clear when the presidential vote would be held.
Considerable funereal pageantry was expected to honor Chavez, the political impresario widely adored among Venezuela’s poor for putting the oil-rich state in their service.
Seven days of mourning were declared, all school was suspended for the week and friendly heads of state were expected in this economically challenged and violence-afflicted nation for an elaborate funeral Friday. No date or place were announced for Chavez’s burial.
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Bart says... March 6, 2013 at 5:18 p.m.
Well, what is the purpose of having a VP if not to serve upon the death of the Pres? The neat part is the people get to elect someone within 30 days. Yes, probably will be the current VP but they get a chance to replace him. Our system would put our VP in for the remainder of the term! Can you imagine Biden as President of the United States for the next four years?
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