Venezuela’s Falcon runs against Maduro for presidency, defying opposition
CARACAS, (Reuters) - Venezuelan politician Henri Falcon yesterday defied a call by the country’s political opposition to boycott an April presidential election and said he would run against President Nicolas Maduro.
“The government promised a paradise to millions of Venezuelans, but they gave them a hell,” Falcon told reporters.
He called Maduro the “hunger candidate” in reference to an economic crisis that has brought a crippling recession, widespread shortages and an exodus of migrants from the oil-producing country.
The opposition coalition is boycotting the April 22 election because its two most popular leaders Leopoldo Lopez and Henrique Capriles - are prohibited from running, various parties have been outlawed and the election board is pro-Maduro. http://reut.rs/2oFvMVA
Falcon defended his decision, saying he operates independently of the opposition coalition Democratic Unity. The opposition, which considers the vote a farce meant to consolidate Maduro’s power, accused him of trying to grab the spotlight.
Maduro formally presented his candidacy for the vote at the national election board in Caracas before joining a rally of supporters.
“I will be loyal to the legacy of the giant Hugo Chavez!” he said, dancing reggaeton on stage with his wife, Cilia Flores, before a large banner depicting him and Chavez, his predecessor as president.
Before Falcon’s announcement, Maduro faced just one confirmed candidate, a little-known evangelical pastor named Javier Bertucci.
Although once seen as a possible transition figure after nearly two decades of socialist rule, Falcon, 56, has little chance of defeating Maduro.