Updated

Interim president Nicolas Maduro is urging Venezuelans to stop mourning the death of Hugo Chavez and spring into action to secure his victory in a looming presidential election.

Maduro says the best way of honoring Chavez's legacy is for government sympathizers to unite and campaign in favor of his candidacy ahead of the April 14 vote.

A former union leader and bus driver with close ties to communist-led Cuba, Maduro is competing against opposition leader Henrique Capriles.

Maduro invoked the late president during a televised speech on Tuesday, declaring: "This victory will belong to our commander!"