Maduro calls Venezuelans to vote against the US

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called on the US on Friday to "respect" his country's electoral system ahead of this weekend's regional elections. His comments come after the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Kevin O'Reilly, told a government hearing that Venezuelan elections were not "free and fair." Maduro called on voters to "vote against US imperialism."

The US and several other countries withdrew recognition of Maduro after accusing him of rigging his most recent reelection as president. The opposition parties led by Juan Guaidó boycotted previous elections, including the reelection of Maduro as president in May 2018, arguing that Venezuela lacks the conditions for free and justic contests.