Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro claims upcoming sham election will lead to U.S. lifting sanctions and possible entry into BRICS bloc. Russia supports Venezuela joining BRICS due to its large oil reserves. Maduro suppresses legitimate opposition candidates.
Key Points
Maduro predicts win in sham election will prompt U.S. to lift sanctions.
Venezuela may be granted membership in the BRICS bloc.
Russia supports Venezuela joining BRICS due to its large oil reserves.
Pros
Possible lifting of oil and gas sanctions by the U.S.
Potential entry into the China-led BRICS economic and security bloc.
Cons
Sham election process controlled by authoritarian regime.
Suppression of legitimate opposition candidates like Maria Corina Machado.