Venezuela: What will change after the opposition win?

Historically, the opposition MUD coalition has been wracked by in-fighting and internal power struggles. But buoyed by his coalition's election win, MUD Secretary-General Jesus Torrealba struck a note of unity an co-operation. "There's room for everyone in this project, this is one single project called Venezuela, a united Venezuela," he said. He also assured his political rivals that "we're not going into the National Assembly to trample on the minority". And he promised his supporters that "we know how to manage this triumph". However, during its 16 years in power, the PSUV placed many of its supporters in key positions in state institutions.The legislative could therefore face an uphill struggle getting any laws it passes implemented. How much power the opposition will yield depends on the final result. With a three-fifths majority, it will be able to replace the vice-president and ministers, as well as members of the electoral body. More…