VENEZUELA GOVT IN SHOCK POLLS WIN

Opposition refuses to recognise regional victory by ruling party

CARACAS

THE opposition refused yesterday to recognise a surprise win for the ruling socialists in a weekend regional election, potentially rekindling protests and fresh foreign sanctions on the oilrich country’s moribund economy.

The pro-government electoral board said President Nicolas Maduro’s candidates took 17 governorships, versus six for the opposition, in Sunday’s polls with a turnout of more than 61 per cent.

The socialists’ strong showing was unexpected after devastating food shortages and salarydestroying inflation fuelled anger at Maduro. Polls had suggested the opposition would easily win a majority, with one survey giving them 44.7 per cent of voter intentions against 21.1 per cent for the government.

Dismayed opposition leaders decried irregularities, called for street action yesterday and demanded a full audit, but did not immediately offer any evidence of fraud.

“Neither Venezuelans nor the world will swallow this fiction,” said grave-faced opposition election campaign chief Gerardo Blyde.

Dispirited about their chances of removing Maduro through protests or the ballot box, many opposition supporters now hope foreign sanctions will hurt him.

It remains to be seen whether opposition supporters are willing to take to the streets again after four months of grueling protests this year failed to pressure the government into holding an early presidential election, freeing jailed activists or accepting humanitarian aid.

At least 125 people died, while thousands were injured and arrested, in violence that brought parts of Venezuela to a standstill as hooded youths battled security forces.

Sunday’s disputed result will further crush their hopes that the unpopular Maduro can be removed in next year’s presidential election, possibly worsening disputes over strategy in the perennially divided coalition.

“We’ve lost the country. Rest in peace, Venezuela,” said one female opposition supporter, sobbing in bed.

The electoral setback could further speed a flow of emigrants to Latin America, Spain and the United States.

Flanked by his wife, soldiers, and red-shirted party members, a buoyant Maduro appeared on state television late on Sunday to celebrate his party’s victory and paint the opposition as sore losers.

“When they lose they cry fraud. When they win, they shout ‘Down with Maduro’,” said Maduro, 54, ordering a full audit in what he said was evidence of transparency.

“Maybe we’ll recover those ... governorships that we lost,” he added with a laugh. Reuters