Nicolas Maduro will succeed Hugo Chavez as leader of Venezuela following a narrow win in the presidential election.
Mr Maduro, selected as Chavez's preferred successor to lead the socialist party, secured 50.7 per cent of the vote against opponent Henrique Capriles on 49.1 per cent.
Mr Chavez died on 5 March after leading the country for 14 years, prompting a heated election battle between Maduro and Caprilles.
Maduro has said he is willing to allow an audit of the poll result after Mr Caprilles demanded a recount. He will take charge as Venezuelan president on 19 April to complete Hugo Chavez's six year term.
