President Nicolas Maduro’s grip on Venezuela tightens, warns of Trump threat

Majority of nearly 2,500 council seats spread across the crisis-stricken country went to members of Maduro’s United Socialist Party of Venezuela,

Only 27 per cent of the 20 million eligible voters turned out for the election

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Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks after voting in local elections in Caracas, Venezuela. Photo: AP

Published: 12:42pm, 10 Dec 2018Updated: 10:23pm, 10 Dec 2018

Socialist President Nicolas Maduro further consolidated power in Venezuelan local elections Sunday, while accusing President Donald Trump of plotting to overthrow him.

The majority of nearly 2,500 council seats spread across the crisis-stricken country went to members of Maduro’s United Socialist Party of Venezuela, election officials loyal to Maduro said.

After casting his ballot, Maduro spoke on state television scoffing at Trump and other foreign leaders who have labelled him a dictator.

“An attempt is under way today coming straight from the White House to destroy our way of life in Venezuela and to overthrow our constitutional democracy,” Maduro said.

The election came as an economic crisis rocks the once-wealthy oil country after two decades of socialist rule. Millions of Venezuelans have fled searching for a better life.

Maduro’s government has banned the most popular opposition parties from elections, while leading figures in the movement are jailed or go into exile fearing for their safety.