Hugo Chavez's swearing in ceremony delayed

Due to the ill health of the Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, the swearing in ceremony is scheduled to take place at a later date.u00a0

Vice President Nicolas Maduro said that Chavez could began his new six-year term in office on Thursday and can attend a swearing-in ceremony in the Supreme Court if necessary at a later date.

Venezuelan President, u00a0Hugo Chavez Pic/Getty Images

"The formality of his swearing-in can be resolved in the Supreme Court," Maduro said.

According to the latest official reports, Chavez is being treated for "respiratory deficiency" after complications from a severeu00a0lung infection.

Venezuelan opposition leader Antonio Ledezma said earlier a special delegation should be sent to visit Chavez in Cuba to get first-hand information of his health.

Venezuela's constitution requires that new presidential elections be held within 30 days, if Chavez is not fit enough to be sworn in.u00a0