waltky
Wise ol' monkey
Pro'bly a bad case of the clap...
Rumours Grow Over Venezuela Leader's Health
Sunday June 26, 2011 - Hugo Chavez has had an operation on a pelvic abcess
Rumours Grow Over Venezuela Leader's Health
Sunday June 26, 2011 - Hugo Chavez has had an operation on a pelvic abcess
Speculation is growing that Venezuela's president Hugo Chavez is suffering from a serious illness having not been seen in public for nearly two weeks. Venezuelan officials have claimed he is recuperating in Cuba after undergoing surgery there for a pelvic abcess - but will not give any further details. Mr Chavez was last heard speaking on the phone on state television two days after the operation, but his seclusion and silence since have sparked fears among his supporters that he could be seriously ill.
Some reports have gone as far as to claim the president is in a "critical condition". That speculation has highlighted the lack of clarity over who would take over if the president was forced to relinquish power. Under the country's constitution, vice-president Elias Jaua would step up during "temporary" absences of up to 90 days. If Mr Chavez was to die or resign, the vice-president would serve the remainder of his six-year term.
Steve Ellner, a political science professor at Venezuela's University of the East, said the future of the president's political movement could hinge on whether ill health prevents Mr Chavez from designating his successor himself. He said: "There is no second in command in the Chavez movement. "If Chavez is unable to endorse anyone there will inevitably be dissension."
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