Maduro Assumes Office, Calls for Immediate Elections

Nicolas Maduro has been sworn in as Venezuela's interim President. Photo by EPA

Nicolas Maduro has been sworn in as Venezuela's interim President, just hours after hundreds of thousands of mourners attended the state funeral of Hugo Chavez.

Late President Hugo Chavez designated Maduro as his successor before he died Tuesday of cancer. However, the opposition has protested against Maduro's swearing in, arguing that it violates the country's Constitution.

"I swear by the most absolute loyalty to comrade Hugo Chavez that we will fulfill and see that it's fulfilled the constitution ... with the iron fist of a people ready to be free," Maduro said as he was taking oath of office at the National Assembly in the capital Caracas.

Maduro urged the national electoral council to "immediately convene presidential elections."

Maduro also named Jorge Arreaza, Chavez's son-in-law and Venezuela's science and technology minister, as his vice president.

Hugo Chavez, who led Venezuela for 14 years, died on Tuesday aged 58 after a long battle with cancer.

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