Maduro Calls on Venezuelans to Support May 20 Elections

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has reiterated his call for voters to cast their ballots in the May 20 elections to appoint a new head of state, along with new legislative and municipal councils.

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Presidential candidate for the Broad Front of the Homeland, Maduro addressed a rally in the state of Falcon on Friday: "The political power of the country belongs to the people of Venezuela; that is why we are in a revolution," he said.

During his speech, Maduro vowed to heal the nation's economy and said: "I will bring economic prosperity for all of you."

"I ask you to elect me as the new president of Venezuela with ten million votes for the peace of Venezuela," Maduro continued. 

"That is our commitment with Commander Hugo Chavez. We have faced a thousand challenges, but I believe in the prosperous future of the country."

At an earlier rally in the state of Merida, Maduro told the crowds: "We have to prepare for May 20, to get ten million votes for the people: if we want peace, we will vote.

"You have a weapon in your hands: it is the sovereign and popular vote of the men and women of Merida and Venezuela. We are pushing for the peace and independence of the country."

Maduro also announced the government will deliver US$500 million in Petros – Venezuela's cryptocurrency – to Falcon State Governor Víctor Clark, to strengthen the economic zone of Paraguana and construct 100,000 new homes.