Venezuela’s broken political system

Much is at stake as Venezuelans prepare to go to the polls on Dec. 6. With inflation set to hit 159 per cent this year and the economy — which relies on the plunging price of oil for 95 per cent of export earnings — set to shrink by 10 per cent, the country’s finances are in tatters. Venezuelans have grown accustomed to waiting in line for hours for the chance to scour aisles of bare shelves for basic food and household items. Patients are going untreated for lack of life-saving drugs and equipment. Transportation has been crippled due to a lack of spare parts. More…