Venezuela election: Everything you need to know

9(1(Z8(L$ is choosing its ne[t president on 6unday in an election widely seen as a foregone conclusion.

After years of turmoil which at one point saw almost daily street protests, President Nicolas Maduro is looking to consolidate his power. The opposition, however, refuses to even take part. Most analysts agree that President Maduro is likely to win on Sunday. His opponents say they expect widespread electoral fraud - and are resigned to it.

The elections were supposed to be held in December 2018, but the National Constituent Assembly, filled e[clusively with Mr Maduro’s supporters, brought them forward.

The opposition Democratic Unity coalition is currently divided, and says the elections have been moved to take advantage of its disarray. Its two biggest candidates were also barred from running, and others have Àed the country. Not quite. There are a handful of minor candidates who don’t stand any real chance - and one viable alternative to Mr Maduro. That’s Henri Falcyn.

Mr Falcyn was a governor under former President Hugo Chávez. He came from the same socialist party as President Maduro, but left in 2010 to join the opposition. Mr Falcyn says the only way to dislodge President Maduro is through elections. He believes the majority of Venezuelans want rid of the controversial president and that they should be given the chance to vote him out.

The rest of the opposition, however, has frowned on his breaking ranks - with some even branding him a traitor.-BBC