CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Nicolas Maduro has been sworn in as Venezuela's acting president, against the objections of the political opposition who say the move violates the country's constitution.
Late President Hugo Chavez designated Maduro as his successor before he died Tuesday of cancer. Maduro had been Chavez's vice president.
The country's 1999 constitution says the National Assembly speaker becomes interim president in the event of a president-elect's death or inability to be sworn in. The constitution also says new elections should be called within 30 days.
BREAKING: Nicolas Maduro sworn in as Venezuelan acting president, @AFP reports
BREAKING: Nicolas Maduro sworn in as Venezuelan acting president, @AFP reports-- BuzzFeed News
#Venezuela's Interim President Maduro names Sci & Tech Minister (and Chavez's son-in-law) J. Arreaza as new VP. @miamiherald
#Venezuela's Interim President Maduro names Sci & Tech Minister (and Chavez's son-in-law) J. Arreaza as new VP. @miamiherald-- jimwyss
New VP of Venezuela is on Twitter: @jaarreaza
New VP of Venezuela is on Twitter: @jaarreaza-- BuzzFeed News
#Venezuela's Maduro orders electoral council to call elections. Asks opposition to present candidates @miamiherald
#Venezuela's Maduro orders electoral council to call elections. Asks opposition to present candidates @miamiherald-- jimwyss