Mr Maduro’s pronouncement is designed to provoke the opposition. Especially since he justified the move saying it was a condition set out by the National Constituent Assembly – a body that the opposition refuses to recognise because they say it’s undemocratic. Mr Maduro has lost popularity because of the worsening economic crisis. In the face of criticism, his strategy has been one of ‘divide and conquer’ – find ways of weakening the opposition to make them less of a threat. And he’s succeeded – he’s imprisoned some of the most popular opposition leaders like Leopoldo Lopez. He’s prevented others like Henrique Capriles from running for office. And now this threat – banning the most influential parties from taking part in future elections. The opposition is in crisis and Mr Maduro is gloating. Read more… http://ift.tt/2ydu0gY
