Venezuelan president urges people to participate in Sunday's elections

By Sinan Dogan

BOGOTA (AA) - Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday urged people to participate in Sunday's regional and local elections.

Speaking at an event, he said “everything is ready for people to claim their sovereignty and vote.”

Stressing that Venezuela is fighting against aggression and blockade of the US government and its allies, he said they will defend the country under all circumstances.

Despite rich oil reserves, the Latin American country is suffering from a prolonged economic crisis, which has been exacerbated due to sanctions by the US, which does not recognize the Maduro administration.

The country of over 30 million has widespread shortages of food and basic necessities, along with high inflation.

In a tweet, Maduro said: "Big surprises await us in the economic recovery and political victories. Ready, what's coming is good!"

The opposition in Venezuela, led by former National Assembly president Juan Guaido, who is backed by the US, is participating in the ballot. The opposition had boycotted presidential elections in 2018 and a parliamentary vote in 2020.