Defying global pressure, Maduro seeks re-election

Caracas, May 20 

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was seeking a six-year term on Sunday in a vote condemned by foes as the “coronation” of a dictator and likely to bring fresh foreign sanctions.

With the mainstream opposition boycotting the election, two of his most popular rivals barred from standing and state institutions in loyalists’ hands, the 55-year-old former bus driver is expected to win despite his unpopularity.

That could trigger oil sanctions from the US government, and more censure from the European Union and Latin America.

The self-described “son” of Hugo Chavez says he is battling an “imperialist” plot to crush socialism and take over the OPEC member’s oil wealth. But opponents say the Leftist leader has destroyed Venezuela’s once-wealthy economy and ruthlessly crushed dissent.

Maduro’s main challenger is former state Governor Henri Falcon, who predicts an upset on the back of some polls showing him ahead and widespread fury among Venezuela’s 30 million people at the collapse of their economy.

“The day has come to make history and save Venezuela,” Falcon, 56, tweeted early on Sunday, urging Venezuelans to vote. During his campaign, he scattered fake $100 bills to symbolise his proposal for replacing the collapsed bolivar currency.

Most analysts believe, however, that Falcon has only a slim chance given anticipated abstention, the opposition split over his break with the boycott, the vote-winning power of state handouts, and Maduro’s allies on the election board.

In a likely boost for Maduro, attendance appeared low across the country, from polling stations in the wealthier, pro-opposition eastern Caracas to the Andean mountains in the west of the country. The majority of voters interviewed by Reuters said they were casting their ballot for Maduro. — Reuters

‘I WON’T VOTE!’

• On the streets, many Venezuelans are disillusioned and angry over the election: They criticise Maduro for economic hardships and the opposition for its dysfunctional splits
• Reeling from a fifth year of recession, falling oil production and US sanctions blocking new debt issues, Venezuela is seeing growing levels of malnutrition hyperinflation and mass emigration
• Given Venezuelans’ despondency over the crisis, campaign rallies have been poorly attended compared with previous votes and the atmosphere has been the most lackluster in memory
• Pro-boycott activists were planning protests, but authorities deployed 300,000 soldiers and policemen to protect voting stations