Opposition out...

In a few months Venezuela will hold regional and local elections - most states went through a similar 'revolution' as that which happened at a national level; as we know that national level revolution 'train' slowed down and nearly came off the tracks when Chavez narrowly lost last year's referendum - that means these local elections are vital and will be another key test for Happy Hugo and his socialist revolution. "The Venezuelan opposition, historically weak and divided, believes it can now make significant gains" says the BBCs correspondent:

"But now some of their most high-profile politicians will be unable to compete because they have been blacklisted by the government, which accuses them of various misdemeanours in public office."

Of course, and with no intended irony I'm sure, the Venezuelan government assures everyone that such a move is ensuring democracy. Today many Venezuelans marched against the ban.