Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s party won roughly half of the votes in municipal elections held this weekend, strengthening the government’s position as it confronts an ongoing economic crisis. Maduro has vowed to continue the socialist project of his predecessor Hugo Chavez, and has been taking steps to counter the “economic war” he claims is being waged on Venezuela by foreign-backed business interests.
The opposition secured 43 percent of the vote, less than it managed to capture in the presidential election in April, and complained of government interference.
Reacting to the results, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the elections had “met the standards” despite “some questions of irregularities.” He indicated that the United States is “ready and willing” to enhance U.S.-Venezuela ties.