Venezuela’s Chavez names new vice-president

PanARMENIAN.Net - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has named a new vice-president, following his re election for another six-year term, BBC News reported.

Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro, one of the president's closest advisors, has been appointed for the job. He is a former bus driver who rose through the ranks of Chavez' United Socialist Party. He would replace the president should his battle with cancer force him to step down in the future.

The announcement was made as President Chavez appeared at the National Electoral Commission to be officially proclaimed as the winner of the vote.

Chavez, who has been in power since 1999, will be sworn in January for a fourth term. He won 55% of the vote, against 44% for opposition candidate Henrique Capriles.

The current Vice-President, Elias Jaua, has been dispatched by Chavez to run against Capriles in elections for the populous Miranda state, in December.

Maduro, who is 49, has served as Venezuela's foreign minister since 2006.