neutrality of this article is disputed. Please see the discussion on the talk page. Please do not remove this message until the dispute is resolved. (August 2010) This article's factual accuracy may be compromised because of out-of-date information. Please help improve the article by updating it. There may be additional information on the talk page. (August 2010) This name uses Spanish naming customs. The first or paternal family name is "Chávez" and the second or maternal family name is "Frías". Hugo Chávez President of Venezuela Incumbent Assumed office  2 February 1999 Vice President Isaías Rodríguez Adina Bastidas Diosdado Cabello José Vicente Rangel Jorge Rodríguez Ramón Carrizales Elias Jaua Preceded by Rafael Caldera Born 28 July 1954 (1954-07-28) (age 56) Sabaneta, Venezuela Political party United Socialist Party (2008–present) Other political affiliations Fifth Republic Movement (1997–2008) Spouse(s) Nancy Colmenares (Div.) Marisabel Rodríguez (Div.) Occupation military officer (to 1992) and politician Religion Roman Catholicism Signature Military service Allegiance  Venezuela Service/branch Army Years of service 1971–1992 Rank Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈuɣo rafaˈel ˈtʃaβes ˈfɾi.as]; born July 28, 1954) is the 56th and current President of Venezuela, having held that position since 1999. Following his own political ideology of Bolivarianism and purporting "Socialism for the 21st Century", he has focused on implementing socialist reforms in the country as a part of a social project known as the Bolivarian Revolution, which has seen the implementation of a new constitution and participatory democracy..