Venezuelans go to the polls amid worsening economy

People in Venezuela took to the polls yesterday in what seems to have become a tightening race for control of the country’s national legislature.

Voters woke to state-sponsored fireworks and music in working-class parts of Caracas. Wealthier neighbourhoods, which tend to favour the opposition, were spared the cacophony.

Venezuelans of all inclinations began lining up before polling stations opened, anxious to cast their ballots early in case violence should break out later in the day.