His own countrymen looked upon him as the commander and treated him like a kin. His enemies called him a bully or even a dictator. Whether you liked him or not, Hugo Chavez will be remembered as a great politician with unique charisma and a passion for the times.

The death of the Venezuelan president on March 5 will have a profound impact on the political and economic landscape in Latin America. But before the repercussions of his passing can be fully gauged, the issue of immediate concern is who will take over the reins of the major oil producer in South America. It is widely thought that Nicols Maduro, the vice-president and Chavez's handpicked successor, has a good chance of winning the presidential election on April 14.

Whatever the outcome, those who have already established a sound relationship with Caracas or are seeking better ties have a stake in the political and social stability of post-Chavez Venezuela.