Venezuela’s state governorship elections are being carried over to next year instead of being held in December.<br />The country’s election board announced the delay which is seen as favouring the unpopular socialist government.<br /><br /> Critics accuse the authorities of also trying to derail an opposition push for a referendum to recall President Nicolas Maduro whose ratings have tumbled amid Venezuela’s deep economic crisis.<br /><br /> The ‘exceptional delay’ has been justified in Venezuela due to what’s been called a US-led “economic war” against them and the oil price crash which has slashed national revenues.<br /><br /> But opinion polls show the government would currently fare badly at any election, and government sources have said they are hoping for an oil price recovery to help their cause.<br /><br /> Venezuela’s next presidential vote is due at the end of 2018.<br />
