Venezuelan Opposition Primary: Uncertainty, Key Vote, and Internet Snarl

The primary vote in Venezuela to choose an opposition candidate to face President Nicolas Maduro in the upcoming election was marred by technical problems, including a server blockage that delayed the vote count. Despite transportation issues and polling location changes, voter turnout was higher than expected. Maria Corina Machado, the frontrunner in the polls, is barred from public office due to her support of sanctions on Maduro's government. The United States has threatened to roll back sanctions relief if the government does not lift the bans on opposition figures. Some in the opposition are skeptical that Maduro will follow through on a recent deal that includes election guarantees.