The last reports of his condition say that his cancer treatment isn't going very well and that he's suffering from complications from a severe lung infection.

So it's time to look at what's coming next. After all, Chavez, who has been President of Venezuela since 1999, has already given his second in command, Nicolas Maduro, and his party, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), their marching orders. A special election is to be held 30 days after Inauguration Day in the likely event that Chavez can't make it.