Brazil is urging Venezuela's government to hold elections as quickly as possible if President Hugo Chavez dies, senior officials said on Monday, Jan 14, signaling a major intervention by Latin America's regional powerhouse that could help ensure a smoother leadership transition in Caracas, Reuters reported.

Brazilian officials have expressed their wishes directly to Venezuelan Vice President Nicolas Maduro, the officials said on condition of anonymity. Chavez has designated Maduro as his preferred successor if he loses his battle with cancer.

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

Chavez is in Cuba receiving cancer treatment and he has not been seen in public for a month, prompting speculation that he is near death.

Venezuela's constitution says a new election must be held within 30 days if the president dies. Before leaving for Cuba, Chavez urged Venezuelans to back Maduro should the cancer leave him incapacitated, and Chavez's backers and the opposition appear to be preparing behind the scenes for a possible new vote.

Venezuela's government said Sunday that Chavez's health has improved somewhat, though his lung infection still requires special care.

On Monday, the opposition coalition urged the Organization of American States (OAS) to convene a session and give it the chance to address Chavez's absence and recent events it said had "gravely affected the democratic order."