CARACAS, Venezuela (PNN) - March 7, 2013 - Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez has died aged 58, after 14 years in power.
Chavez had been seriously ill with cancer for more than a year, undergoing several operations in Cuba.
A self-proclaimed revolutionary, Hugo Chavez was a controversial figure in Venezuela and on the world stage. A staunch critic of the Fascist Police States of Amerika, he inspired a left-wing revival across Latin America.
Following his death, Vice-President Nicolas Maduro will assume the presidency until an election is held within 30 days, Foreign Minister Elias Jaua said.
It was not immediately clear when the election would take place.
Opposition leader Henrique Capriles, whom Chavez defeated in October's election, called on the government to "act in strict accordance with its constitutional duties".
Analysts say Chavez's death could alter the political balance in Latin America - dealing a blow to leftist states while favoring more centrist countries.
There could also be an economic impact given that Venezuela sells oil at below market prices to some neighboring countries, especially in the Caribbean.
