Vice-President Nicolas Maduro - who is acting as president - will be the candidate for the governing socialist party (PSUV).

BBC: Hugo Chavez's body to stay on display in Venezuela

Nicolas Maduro will be the candidate of the PSUV while Henrique Capriles Radonski will be the candidate of the united opposition (MDU).

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He also served as president of the National Assembly and is a key figure in Mr Chavez's United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).

BBC: Hugo Chavez names Nicolas Maduro as his vice-president

However, both men have vowed to maintain unity in the PSUV.

BBC: Latin America & Caribbean

Mr Leon thinks that Mr Chavez's party (PSUV) may well try to hurry along the process in order to take advantage of the emotions of Venezuelans still mourning their lost leader, and before problems such as Venezuela's high inflation rate return to the forefront of their minds.

BBC: Venezuelan parties gear up for polls after Chavez death