Definition: In this task, you will be presented with a passage and have to answer a question based on your understanding of the events inferred from the passage. Try to find the best answer that is most likely to fill in "_". Note that the URLs in the text have been replaced with [Link].
Input: (CNN) -- With his health in question and speculation rampant about his future, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has named 10 Venezuelans to an influential commission. The Council of State, as it is known, is stipulated in the Venezuelan Constitution as the highest circle of advisers to the president, but has never actually been formed. Now in a battle with cancer, Chavez announced in January that it was time to constitute the council, and Wednesday named his appointments. Venezuelans and international observers alike are likely to scrutinize his choices for any signs of transition or succession should Chavez become incapacitated. Chavez's choices include a veteran of his administration, a military man and a writer, among others.Chavez named members for the Council of StateThe body will have influence over the governmentVice President Elias Jaua will preside, as the constitution says 
 Question:With so much uncertainty surrounding _'s health and the upcoming elections, the appointments answer part of the puzzle of who is close to Chavez, he said.

Hugo Chavez