Javier Bertucci claims that he uniquely speaks to the vast majority of struggling Venezuelans disillusioned with both the opposition and Maduro’s unpopular government. “They reject Maduro, but the government has its thumb on the electoral scale and the opposition has a logical reason for not participating. That leaves people without many options.”Many in the opposition see Bertucci’s candidacy as tailor-made to the government’s wishes. “The opposition thinks that by not presenting a candidate the elections will be invalidated,” he said. “But if nobody confronts Maduro, he’ll continue in power and Venezuela’s reputation will continue to be discredited.”——Goodman reported from Bogota, Colombia.

Source: National Post February 22, 2018 05:03 UTC