In this Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 photo, supporters of mayoral opposition candidate Yon Goicoechea show their support, in Caracas, Venezuela. (Fernando Llano/Associated Press)CARACAS, Venezuela — Mayoral elections began at a sluggish pace in Venezuela on Sunday, as voters appeared to abstain from choosing between candidates backed by President Nicolas Maduro and a fractured opposition still bruised by a poor showing in recent gubernatorial races. Opposition candidates suffered a crushing defeat in October’s gubernatorial elections, winning just five of 23 races amid allegations of official vote-buying and irregularities. Three of the four biggest opposition parties said they were boycotting Sunday’s mayoral races in protest of what they called a rigged electoral system. “Either that or simply not compete in 2018.”The last time the opposition refused to compete, in congressional elections in 2005, it strengthened the government’s hand for years.

Source: Washington Post December 10, 2017 05:15 UTC