Election Aid

By Claire Hadley

Venezuela's government has been urged by Brazil to hold elections as quickly as possible if President Hugo Chavez dies, senior officials told Reuters on Monday. Brazil intends to help ensure a smooth transition of leadership in Caracas.

"We are explicitly saying that if Chavez dies, we would like to see elections as soon as possible," one official said, in a Reuters article. "We think that's the best way to ensure a peaceful democratic transition, which is Brazil's main desire."

With a condition of anonymity, Brazilian officials have spoken directly to Venezuelan Vice President Nicolas Maduro about their wishes to aid the transition, reported Reuters. Chavez has publicly designated Maduro as his preferred successor in the chance he loses his battle with cancer, asking the Venezuelan people to also back Maduro.

Speculation is circulating that Chavez in nearing death, as he is in Cuba receiving cancer treatment and has not been seen publicly for a month, according to Reuters. Venezuela's government assured its people on Sunday that Chavez's health was somewhat improved, though a lung infection still required special care.

According to Venezuela's constitution a new election must be held within 30 days of a president's death. The Brazilian government and more radical Venezuelan activists have expressed fear that the government might bend the rules, especially if polls show Maduro might lose, reported Reuters. This fear was reinforced when the Supreme Court decided to postpone Chavez's inauguration last week, proving that loopholes could be used to keep the current government in power.

Brazilian officials have also communicated with Venezuela's main opposition leader Henrique Capriles, hoping to dissuade him and others from inciting civil unrest in the event of Chavez's dearth, said Reuters.

"We're working very hard to ensure there's peace," the first official said, to Reuters.

Complaints from Venezuela's opposition demanding that Chavez name a caretaker president while he recovers are being ignored by governments around the region, reported Reuters.

Since Chavez is one of the world's most vocal anti-U.S. leaders, Brazilian officials said they fear any direct U.S. intervention in Venezuelan affairs could backfire, said Reuters. They are keeping the U.S. informed of their efforts and are hoping to convince Washington to allow them to take the lead in managing the potential leadership transition.