Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced February 21st, his intention to bring forward the parliamentary elections, scheduled for 2021, and to hold them on the same day as the presidential elections which will take place this year, April 22nd. The proposal has already been introduced to the National Constituent Assembly (Asamblea Nacional Constituyente – ANC) and will be debated next week.

During a press conference, the President said that “a comprehensive renovation of the National Assembly, the legislative and municipal councils is necessary, so that there are no more elections in a period in which we will strengthen the economy.” In addition, he criticized Mesa de Unión Democrática (MUD, opposition) for deciding not to participate in the presidential elections, and that, in spite of this, elections will continue to be held in Venezuela.

Angel Opreza, leader of MUD, absolutely rejected President Maduro’s proposal and explained that “no country has done what Maduro is doing. This National Assembly expires in January 2021, the only way to cut the term is with a constitutional amendment or to overthrow Congress.” Leg. Julio Borges considered that advancing the legislative elections would be a “farce”.

The National Assembly has 167 members for the 2016-2021 term, of which 112 are from the opposition party and 55 are ruling one. The proposal was originally suggested by Diosdado Cabello, first vice president of Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PSUV) February 20th. The number of public offices to vote for would exceed 2.300.