CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday became his party’s official nominee for July’s highly anticipated presidential election, which would allow him to stroll into a third consecutive term with no real competition on the horizon.
Maduro accepted the nomination as the ruling United Socialist Party's candidate for the July 28 presidential election during a party gathering in Caracas, saying he has “the support of the people.” According to the party, its decision was backed by over 4 million members who chose their candidate last week.
Maduro became president in March 2013 following the death of Hugo Chávez, whose homespun charm earned him the affection and votes of millions. Winning another term would leave Maduro at the helm of Venezuela’s government until 2031. The American government rolled back some sanctions on Venezuela's oil, gas and mining sectors last year after Maduro agreed with the opposition to work toward electoral conditions that would allow for a leveled playing field.