The President of Venezuela died on Tuesday (5 March), after a long battle with cancer.

Hugo Chavez had been in charge of the South American country for fourteen years. He was known to have been struggling with his health in recent months, after spending a long time in hospital.

Chavez was a controversial figure around the world, once describing former US President George W Bush as a donkey! In his home country, he also split opinion

Venezuelan law clearly states that the country has a month to find a new President after the last finishes their time in charge. Voters will be given the chance to choose their next leader very soon.

Leading politicians from around the world have paid tributes to Chavez. “I would like to offer my condolences to his family and to the Venezuelan people at this time”, UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said in a statement. America’s President Obama added: “As Venezuela begins a new chapter in its history, the United States remains committed to respect for human rights.”

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