It is almost 14 years since a paratrooper and failed military coup leader named Hugo Chavez initiated a political earthquake in Venezuela through the ballot box.

But this time around Venezuela is witnessing a tight race for the presidential polls.

Until now Chavez has always overcome adversity, a coup attempt, a national oil strike, even a recall referendum, but this time he knows that too many of his countrymen have grown tired of rampant corruption, inefficiency and crime under his watch.

The 58-year-old leader, who has broken world records for speaking non-stop, has been accused of being an autocrat and a narcissist who promotes a personality cult.

The Venezuelan leader admits he has made mistakes, yet he is betting that his larger than life persona can carry him and his revolution onto another six years.

Al Jazeera's Lucia Newman reports from Caracas.