Venezuela’s flamboyant leader Hugo Chavez has long been one of the most controversial figures in Latin American politics. Since taking office in 1999, Chavez has proved polarizing, winning the widespread adoration of the nation’s poor while facing deprecation from others who oppose his increasingly autocratic style. Flush with oil money, Chavez has actively used his nation’s wealth to forge arms deals and close diplomatic ties with Russia, China, and rogue states like Iran. Now, after 13 years in power, Chavez faces what is likely to be his stiffest competition to date in this year’s election.