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).

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Could the papacy play a role in post-Chavez Latin America?

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