VENEZUELA:VENEZUELA'S OPPOSITION was dealt a heavy blow when the supreme court ruled in favour of disqualifying 272 politicians from running in regional elections over corruption charges.
The ruling angered several prominent opposition politicians who were candidates for pivotal seats that leader Hugo Chávez fears losing, including the capital city and some of the most populous states.
Although pro-government politicians were also subject to the bans, most were not planning to run in the November elections.
The elections could alter Venezuela's political landscape if opposition parties succeed in making up significant ground on the ruling party, as some analysts predict. Critics say the court ruling reveals the weakness of institutions and the lack of separation of powers in Venezuela, alleging that Mr Chávez put pressure on the court.
Analysts argue that the government's defeat in a referendum over constitutional reform last year makes forthcoming elections especially important if Mr Chávez is to succeed in introducing "21st-century socialism". - ( Financial Times service)