Tricky candidates on ballot vex Venezuela opposition

The ballot for congressional elections is dizzying enough in this industrial state, with more than two dozen parties competing in a contest that represents the stiffest challenge in 16 years for Venezuela’s ruling socialist party. But most worrisome for incumbent Ismael Garcia, a fierce opponent of the South American country’s deeply-unpopular socialist administration, is a 28-year-old parking lot attendant whose name will appear directly beside his on the ballot, under a nearly identical party title and blue logo. The younger man is also named Ismael Garcia. And three weeks ahead of the Dec. 6 vote he has yet to make a public appearance or even explain his platform. More…