The upcoming inauguration of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez could be delayed, an official has revealed.

Diosdado Cabello, the president of Venezuela's congress and a key Ch?vez ally, said late Tuesday that the president's scheduled inauguration on January 10 might have to be pushed back, the Wall Street Journal informs.

The official has argued that the will of the people who voted for Chavez is more important than a constitutional requirement for a speedy inauguration.

The Venazuelan President has not spoken publicly since his December 11 surgery for cancer, and on Tuesday the government said he had a respiratory infection, though it was controlled.

Before going to Havana for the latest surgery, Chavez designated Vice President Nicholas Maduro to take over as president in the case he should be incapacitated.

Chavez was re-elected for a new 6-year term at the helm of Venezuela in early October.