Maduro tightens grip over Venezuela with win in boycotted congress vote

National assembly was only institution not commanded by ruling Socialist party

Nicolas Maduro tightened his grip over Venezuela on Sunday in legislative elections that some believe effectively marked the end of Juan Guaido's US-backed campaign to topple the South American strongman.

The bulk of Venezuela's beleaguered opposition boycotted the contest for seats in the 277-seat national assembly, calling it a sham designed to lend Maduro's authoritarian regime an air of democratic legitimacy.