Why Venezuela’s struggling president just called for a new constitution

In the plan Maduro outlined, at least half the delegates for the constituent assembly would be chosen from groups that support government, Martinez said. “Meaning this attempt won't allow for universal, equal, direct and secret elections.” Such an assembly would further sideline the opposition-led legislature, the only branch of government Maduro doesn’t control. It also could push Venezuela further toward pariah status in the Western Hemisphere, where the region’s largest countries have increasingly accused Maduro of descending into authoritarianism. More…