World | Hugo Chavez Hugo Chavez Camp May Try to Delay Inauguration VP says it's legal as he recuperates; opposition disagrees By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Jan 5, 2013 9:29 AM CST Copied In this Oct 9, 2012, file photo, Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez holds a miniature copy of his country's constitution during a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd, File) Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez can take the oath of office for his next term before the Supreme Court at a later date if the ailing leader isn't fit to be sworn in next week, his vice president said. Nicolas Maduro sent the strongest signal yet that the government may seek to postpone Chavez's inauguration as the 58-year-old president fights a severe respiratory infection more than three weeks after undergoing cancer surgery in Cuba. Maduro's position in a televised interview last night generated new friction between the government and opposition over the swearing-in, which the constitution says should occur next Thursday before the National Assembly. Opposition leaders have argued that if Chavez doesn't make it back to Caracas by that date, the president of the National Assembly should take over as interim president. Maduro echoed other Chavez allies in suggesting the inauguration date is not a firm deadline, and that the president should be given more time to recover from his cancer surgery if needed. Read These Next Melinda French Gates reacts to her ex showing up in new Epstein files. Turning Point reveals lineup for its alternative halftime show. Trump signs bill to end the latest government shutdown. Jill Biden's ex-husband is accused of killing his wife. Report an error