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Venezuela's Elections Will Surely Be Rigged. So Why Run?

By Félix Seijas Rodríguez

Henri Falcón’s candidacy in May’s election could be aimed more at opposition politics than defeating Nicolás Maduro.

Venezuela's presidential elections, now set for May 20, are designed to help President Nicolás Maduro tighten his grip on power. Originally scheduled for late 2018, the administration brought forward the date of the election in a clear effort to capitalize on disharmony within the opposition. 

After getting trounced in October in provincial elections that were widely seen as fraudulent, most members of the opposition MUD coalition have decided not to participate in the coming contest. The government’s willingness to stuff ballots, break electoral rules and limit opposition voters...

Read this article on the Americas Quarterly website. | Subscribe to AQ.

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