Maduro uses local elections to strengthen power in Venezuela.

Election without community participation

In Venezuela, elections are approaching, but there is no sign of preparation in the capital. Only on state television can one hear mentions of the upcoming parliamentary and regional elections, while the main focus of citizens is on currency issues and inflation.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado calls for a boycott of the voting, considering the elections illegitimate. Predictions show that fewer than three out of ten citizens will go to the polls, which satisfies President Nicolas Maduro's desire to further strengthen his control over the country.

This situation resembles the 2019 crisis when the country faced triple inflation and a foreign currency shortage. Pressure from the U.S., which promises to do everything possible to stop operations of Venezuelan oil company Chevron Corp., adds tension to the country's economy.

Despite this, part of the opposition has registered as candidates, trying to participate in the electoral process and change the situation in the country.