Venezuela's acting President Nicolas Maduro speaks during an event at the Casa Nacional de las Letras Andres Bello, where independence hero Simon Bolivar started his studies, in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, April 1, 2013. Both Nicolas Maduro, Chavez's chosen successor, and opposition Gov. Henrique Capriles face the challenge of spelling out a vision for a future without Chavez, who dominated this 28 million-person country like few other leaders have during his 14 years in power. Venezuela will hold a presidential election on April 14. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) (The Associated Press)
CARACAS, Venezuela – Brazil's former president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has voiced his support for ruling party candidate Nicolas Maduro ahead of Venezuela's presidential election.
In a video broadcast on state television in Venezuela, Silva says he believes Maduro would be capable of accomplishing goals set by late President Hugo Chavez. Chavez and Silva were close political allies, and their two countries share close trade ties.
Silva says in the video he doesn't want to meddle in Venezuela's domestic affairs, but notes that Chavez singled out Maduro as his chosen successor before his death last month.
Maduro thanked Silva for his support during a televised address on Monday.
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