VP Says Chavez Oath May Be Postponed

Hugo Chavez, 58, is to be sworn in for a new term on 10 January, but it is unclear if he will be able to attend ceremony. Photo by CNN

Venezuelan Vice President Nicolas Maduro has stated that ailing leader Hugo Chavez may be sworn in for a new term in office at some later date without giving up the presidency in the interim.

Maduro has argued that Chavez can begin his new six-year term in office on Thursday and can attend a swearing-in ceremony in the Supreme Court if necessary at a date to be determined.

"The formality of his swearing-in can be resolved in the Supreme Court," Maduro said, as cited by RIA Novosti.

It was revealed Friday that Chavez is suffering from "complications" brought on by a "severe lung infection" which developed after his cancer surgery

Under Venezuela's constitution, new elections must be held within 30 days if the president dies or is permanently incapacitated either before he takes office or in the first four years of his six year term.

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