On August 2, 26 opposition parties published a statement announcing their refusal to take part in the legislative elections to be held next December 6 to renew the National Assembly. The parties accuse Nicolas Maduro’s administration of calling fraudulent elections, as well as of violating the separation of powers and persecuting the opposition. Further news on the elections is expected in the next few days. Meanwhile, Maduro announced that the whole country is to remain under strict lockdown until August 9. 

The main opposition parties, such as Voluntad Popular, Acción Democrática, Un Nuevo Tiempo and Primero Justicia, signed the statement which calls for an end to political party interventions, the creation of an independent National Electoral Council and audits throughout the electoral process. These are some of the minimum requirements demanded in order for them to acquiesce to participate in the elections. The opposition parties also denounced the increase in the number of deputies of the NA from 166 to 277 and the elimination of the direct vote to elect indigenous lawmakers. 

In other news, Venezuela will remain under total lockdown until Sunday, August 9. Maduro said that the “three-level” social distancing scheme has been effective so far. Supermarkets and drugstores are to remain open. Other institutions, such as banks, will not be allowed to serve the public.