After Chavez: Venezuela Prepares For Possible Transition
Discussions are underway to determine the best course if Hugo Chavez is unable to recover from his latest health setback by his inauguration day on January 10. Will the letter of the Constitution be adhered to, or will some special circumstance be invoked in an effort to maintain the ailing president’s hold on power? And what will happen if Chavez, Venezuela’s President since 1999, is unable to fulfill his duties? Cindy Arnson, Director of the Wilson Center’s Latin American Program has been monitoring the situation and provides context on what to expect in the coming days and weeks.