Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez has died aged 58



Late Hugo Chavez had been seriously ill with cancer for more than a year, undergoing several operations in Cuba. Crowds of supporters gathered outside the Caracas hospital where he died, chanting "We are all Chavez!"

A self-proclaimed revolutionary, Hugo Chavez was a controversial figure in Venezuela and on the world stage. A staunch critic of the US, he inspired a left-wing revival across Latin America.

Following his death, Vice-President Nicolas Maduro will assume the presidency until an election is held within 30 days, Foreign Minister Elias Jaua said.

Family: Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez hugs his daughters Rosa (left) and Maria (right) while appearing to supporters on a balcony of Miraflores Palace soon after his return to the country from Cuba in July 2011

"It is the mandate that Comandante President Hugo Chavez gave us," Mr Jaua told state television, adding that Mr Maduro would also be the candidate of the governing United Socialist Party (PSUV).

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