Maduro proposes holding congressional elections early in speech to supporters

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro proposed on Saturday bringing forward parliamentary elections to this year, as he seeks to crush the threat posed by the National Assembly’s head, Juan Guaido, who has proclaimed himself legitimate head-of-state.

Maduro in a speech to supporters Saturday said it would be up to the pro-government constitutional assembly to decide whether or not to back his proposal.

But speaking at a rival pro-regime rally celebrating the 20th anniversary of the socialist revolution led by his predecessor Hugo Chavez, Maduro said he was in favor of a Constituent Assembly proposal to bring forward to this year parliamentary elections set for the end of 2020.

“I agree and I will hold to this decision,” said Maduro, who was making his first public appearance in six months.

“They (the opposition) want to bring forward elections, let’s have elections,” he said defiantly.

Elections for the opposition-controlled National Assembly aren’t supposed to take place again until 2020.

When new parliamentary elections are held, the opposition could lose its majority.

Venezuela has been rocked by protests since Jan. 10 when President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a second term following a vote boycotted by the opposition. Tension climbed when Guaido proclaimed himself the acting president on Jan. 23.