BEIJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhuanet) -- Venezuelan President is due to be sworn in for his next term in office on Thursday. Instead, he is fighting for his live after surgery in Cuba. The state of his health has gripped the nation, which is now full of uncertainty for the future.

Chavez is battling a lung infection after surgery for cancer in Cuba. Chavez’s health condition is being watched closely by both his allies and opponents, amid high uncertainty about his recovery and Venezuela’s political leadership.

Under the constitution, Chavez does not have to be sworn in on January 10. But if he becomes permanently unable to carry out his duties, the head of the National Assembly assumes the presidency, and a new election must be held within 30 days.

The opposition is already calling for a new election if Chavez misses the swearing in. But Vice President Nicolas Maduro dismissed the demand, saying he could be sworn in by the Supreme Court at a later date.

The head of National Assembly, Diosdado Cabello, said Chavez will still be the president beyond January 10 and does not need to take another oath in parliament to become president, since he was re-elected.

President Chavez was re-elected for another six-year term in October, but the relapse of cancer forced him to undergo more surgery. He has not appeared before the public since he underwent his fourth cancer surgery on December 11 in Cuba. The Venezuelan government says Chavez is suffering from a severe respiratory infection following the surgery, and that he is facing "complications".

Before Chavez’s departure for the operation, he said that if his illness prevented him from remaining as president, Vice President Maduro should be the candidate of the ruling United Socialist party in a new election.

Many countries in Latin America, which have benefited from the assistance and support of Chavez, are closely monitoring the development of his condition.

(Source: CNTV.cn)