Venezuela's ruling party picks Maduro as presidential candidate

CARACAS, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela's ruling United Socialist Party (PSUV) has elected President Nicolas Maduro to be its candidate in upcoming presidential elections, the party's vice president, Diosdado Cabello, said on Friday.

"Approved by acclamation and unanimity," Cabello said during a special party congress in Caracas, where the rank and file were consulted about the proposed nomination.

Cabello, who is also a lawmaker, said the nomination was made after assessing Maduro's popularity among Venezuelans.