Uncertainty is hanging over Venezuela three days ahead of the scheduled swearing-in of President Hugo Chavez, who is struggling to recover from his fourth cancer surgery in 18 months in Cuba.

The country's main opposition coalition insists that Chavez must take at least a temporary leave if his health keeps him from taking the oath of office on Thursday as established by Venezuela's constitution.

Despite rumors of a power struggle during Chavez's more than three-week absence, his allies showed unity on Saturday, re-electing the ruling party's Diosdado Cabello as parliamentary speaker.