Nicolas Maduro

Venezuela's ruling party is threatened by an opposition fueled by an economic crisis and related public anger over fuel and food shortages. It's kept power in part by stalling all manner of elections.

Judges reinstated the National Assembly's authority following a request from Nicolas Maduro. The ruling that annulled the assembly prompted accusations that a dictatorship was in the works.

Officials have blocked the opposition's effort to trigger a recall election against Maduro, who is presiding over an economic implosion. Key opposition leaders say they have received travel bans.

Opponents of President Nicolas Maduro were marching in Caracas, seeking a recall election. The country's economy has been collapsing, with massive inflation and food and medicine shortages.

Nicolas Maduro presides over an unraveling economy marked by empty shop shelves, food riots, malnutrition and unrest. He's losing backers, but still has the military on his side.

Venezuelans voted amid an economic crisis that's led to soaring inflation and scarcity. Winning 99 seats, the opposition will now control the country's congress.

Tensions are running high around the voting coming up on Sunday. Leading international observers have been barred by the government. Low oil prices have battered the country's economy.