Elections a new rupture point in Venezuela crisis
A Maduro loss in May's election could be a turning point, but recovery will be lengthy
On 20 May 2018, Venezuelans will go to the polls to elect one president, 233 state legislators, and 2,436 municipal councilors. Given Venezuela's long presidentialist tradition, in which the executive holds the reins of power, all eyes will be on President Nicolás Maduro's bid for reelection. Venezuela's president will run against the former governor from the state of Lara, Henri Falcón, the only other viable candidate standing after the opposition bloc decided not to enter what they call a "fraudulent and illegitimate" presidential election. While Falcón has condemned Maduro's transgressions against opposition leaders and the government's manipulation of previous elections, he has also reje
Also in this section
29 April 2026
The UAE’s exit from the alliance marks a decisive step towards a world in which oil markets are shaped less by collective management and more by national strategy
29 April 2026
Trafigura’s $1b prepayment agreement confirms African resource holders’ renewed interest in oil-backed financing deals as they look to capitalise on high oil prices
29 April 2026
The UAE’s departure from the oil producers’ group was a surprise to many, but the move can be traced back to a single point five years ago
28 April 2026
Oil traders warning of $200/bl oil are wrong, and the market should be wary of proclamations that the impact of the oil shortage has only begun to be felt and a that a ‘harsh adjustment’ is coming—even for industrialised nations
