Venezuela calls congressional elections for December

Venezuelan National Elections Council President Indira Alfonzo announced on Wednesday the December 6 vote for a new National Assembly.

The legislative body is now led by opposition politician Juan Guaidó, who has led an unsuccessful US-backed campaign for over a year to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Guaidó's opposition coalition has accused Maduro's government of hijacking the upcoming vote to consolidate power.

Opposition leaders sharply rejected recent manoeuvres by officials loyal to Maduro that they say aim to consolidate the socialist leader's grip on power by unconstitutionally seizing control of the National Assembly.

Maduro spoke in a state TV address on Wednesday, noting that election officials have assured him they will take measures to ensure a safe voting process amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

"I call on all Venezuelans to prepare themselves to turn out massively on December 6. Venezuela needs a new National Assembly, "Maduro said.