Venezuelan Vice President Elías Jaua ruled out the possibility that the president's functions may be vested in him. He also said that the temporary absence of the president will not be declared, because President Hugo Chávez is in "full exercise" of power.

"The president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is governing Venezuela. He has never ceased being the president; he is and will be the president. Therefore, there is no point in discussing a delegation of authority because the president is in full exercise of his physical and mental powers. Therefore, we are not going to discuss this issue," Jaua said.

He recalled that President Chávez is abroad as he was authorized by the National Assembly. Therefore, his stay in Cuba complies with constitutional requirements.