Bowing to pressure? Maduro proposes early parliamentary elections in Venezuela

Venezuelan President Niсolas Maduro has called for early elections to the National Assembly - a legislative body dominated by the opposition and led by Juan Guaido who declared himself interim leader last week.

Maduro's statement comes as thousands are rallying in the streets of Caracas both in support and against of his government.

Guaido's coup received immediate support of US and its allies in Latin America and Europe while Russia, Mexico, China and other countries urged not to interfere into the domestic situation in the country. The political turmoil comes as Venezuela's economy has been plummeting due to low oil prices, sanctions and mismanagement leaving most of its population in poverty.

The regular parliamentary elections were expected to be held in Venezuela in 2020. However, Maduro said that the body needs to be "re-legitimized" as he addressed a large crowd of his supporters during a rally in Caracas.

The president said that he would consult the Venezuelan Constituent Assembly - a body elected in 2017 to draft the new constitution - on the issue. If the assembly backs the proposal the vote will be scheduled for some time this year. Earlier, Venezuela's Supreme Court has declared all acts of the National Assembly he headed as a parliamentary chief null and void.

Reader Comments

Joan · 2019-02-03T23:46:05Z

Looks evenly split if one looks at the images of drone footage, but one must remember, this is Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela, to see so many people distinguished by a red color and hat in support of Maduro coming from the provinces is significant to reach the Capital to make their voice heard (Dejavue now where did I see that red hat movement)...Hm...the US heartland comes to mind.

Such hypocrisy beggars belief....

They want there voices heard, and I suspect, it would have been at great cost, to travel so far for some to support their elected leader in the Capital.

And that cost is so great, that they are willing to belong to the voice of people, that no longer wants to be dictated by outside influence, how there country should be run how there resources should be distributed,.

Ah the children! it's all about the children, again, such hypocrisy... I need this Where is a sick bag when I need it!

Gcarlin · 2019-02-04T00:20:02Z

Joan Yep and the tool Trump could've had some balls and said that elections are elections, but we see that he is not really an outsider. Where are all the non-interventionists now? They seem to cover their eyes every time Trump intervenes. Same with the blind Obama supporters. Both the same mind control operation to keep Americans stupid.

Make America Stupid Again

sbc ·

Again?

· 2019-02-04T01:53:24Z

Joan · 2019-02-04T02:28:11Z

sbc What does that mean. Again?

Please explain, I am interested.

baron · 2019-02-04T06:58:05Z

Gcarlin Hey, hey....

system · 2019-02-04T03:15:00Z

is maduro already bowing out, taking the gold with him. will he be living in florida along with the castro's, the allende's, bin ladens, el chapos and all the others? hitlers, romelings. is that the gift. for the people.

David333 · 2019-02-04T04:14:04Z

Again the U.S. can't mind it's own business and resist staying out of other countries politics. Reminds me of Britain.

baron · 2019-02-04T07:05:06Z

David333 At least Britain had the excuse of insane Royalty but we Americans have only ourselves to blame. I mean John Bolton, a man who was by all rights involved in plotting 9/11 and here he is now doing what?

graeme15b · 2019-02-04T11:10:43Z

Notice that he proposed parliamentary elections, not presidential elections. Seems like a clever move to pressure the opposition into practicing the 'democratic values' they have been spouting. While, hoping to show just how popular they are via the ballot box, which might not be as good for them, as it was in 2015.