Surprise victory for Maduro’s candidates

Venezuela’s opposition yesterday refused to recognise a surprise win for ruling socialists in regional elections, potentially rekindling protests and fresh foreign sanctions on the oil-rich country’s moribund economy.

The pro-government electoral board said candidates loyal to Nicolas Maduro, the president, took 17 governorships while the opposition took six. The socialists’ strong showing came amid food shortages, triple-digit inflation, and a collapsing currency. Polls had suggested the opposition would win a majority.