Venezuela election date set

Venezuela will hold a presidential election on April 14 as acting President Nicolas Maduro, the successor to Hugo Chavez, tries to win his own term in office.

Latest ITV News reports

Venezuela's opposition leader 'to run for president'

Opposition leader Henrique Capriles will run for president in Venezuela's April election and is expected to formally announce the decision later today, two sources in his camp said.

Henrique Capriles, Venezuela's opposition leader and governor of the state of Miranda. Credit: Reuters/Tomas Bravo

"There's a lot of negativity around, it's going to be tough, but we're going to do it", one of the sources told Reuters.

"Henrique's made his decision. He's not backing down."

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Venezuela's acting president calls for snap election

Nicolas Maduro received the presidential sash from National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello. Credit: REUTERS/Jorge Silva

Acting Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro has asked the country's election authority to call a vote immediately.

Officials are expected to announce the election date on Saturday as the South American country appoints a permanent successor to Hugo Chavez.

Mr Maduro, meanwhile, also named the late president's son-in-law Jorge Arreaza as his vice president during his time as interim leader.

Venezuela's interim president begins with fist pump

Nicolas Maduro has raised his fist to his supporters after being controversially sworn in as Venezuela's interim president. Credit: RTV/VTV
Mr Maduro has taken the acting role despite objections from opposition leaders, who claimed the ceremony is unconstitutional. Credit: RTV/VTV
The interim leader had considerable support at the ceremony in Caracas though. Credit: RTV/VTV

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Venezuela says 'goodbye' to President Hugo Chavez

With the queues to see Hugo Chavez's body still snaking through the capital, Venezuala said goodbye to the man who has dominated politics in the country for decades.

Some 30 head of state from around the world were among the mourners at his state funeral; many of them visibly emotional.

ITV News' International Editor Bill Neely reports from Caracas:

President Hugo Chavez's final act goes on and on

More than two million Venezuelans have filed past the open casket of their dead president Hugo Chavez in the last two days.

Such is the demand to pay tribute that plans for a burial have been eschewed in favour of a simple ceremony, and the announcement that Chavez's body will be displayed permanently.

ITV News International Editor Bill Neely reports from Caracas:

Jesse Jackson gives sermon at Hugo Chavez funeral

The Reverend Jesse Jackson has given a short sermon at the funeral of Hugo Chavez.

The US civil rights activist paid tribute to Chavez for raising the hopes of the poor and helping them to achieve their dreams.

He also expressed his hope that Venezuela and the US would heal their differences.

Reverend Jesse Jackson giving a sermon at the funeral
Reverend Jesse Jackson giving a sermon at the funeral Credit: Reuters/VTV

Among the guests listening intently to the sermon was the actor and director Sean Penn.

Sean Penn listening to the Reverend Jesse Jackson
Sean Penn listening to the Reverend Jesse Jackson Credit: Reuters/VTV

Iranian President kisses Hugo Chavez's coffin

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stopped twice to kiss the coffin of Venezuela's late leader Hugo Chavez during today's funeral.

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad kisses the coffin
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad kisses the coffin Credit: Reuters/VTV

Ahmadinejad is one of some 30 heads of state who are attending the funeral.

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gestures to the other guests at the funeral
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gestures to the other guests at the funeral Credit: Reuters/VTV
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