Maduro declares victory in legislative election

Venezuela’s National Electoral Council said more than 8 million people, about 41.53% of registered voters, cast ballots on July 30th. That marked “the biggest turnout that the Bolivarian Revolution has had in its entire 18-year history,” Maduro claimed.

The election will allow Maduro to replace Venezuela’s current legislative body, the National Assembly, with the new assembly, made up of 545 members, all nominated by his administration.

The 545-member Constituent Assembly will be able to start working as soon as August 2nd.

Maduro has struggled with a rapidly deteriorating economy and strengthening political opposition. Some voters said they believed the new assembly might improve life in Venezuela./.