This latest trip comes two weeks before regional polls. The elections could give the president's party control of most of the 23 governorships, which, as Chávez has said, would consolidate "his perfect victory". But his absence may be felt at the polls as strong support for the president does not always trickle down to others in his party.

Villegas said Chávez would be back by 10 January, when he is scheduled to be sworn in for a fourth term. "We have Chávez for a while longer," he said.

Looks like the Chavistas are trying to hide Hugo thru the regional elections and on to the Inaguration January 10 without disclosing news. He could be dead already for all we know.

Maybe the Cubans are cloning his DNA.

Hugo #2!