Local opposition leader ‘shot dead’ in Venezuela

A local Venezuelan opposition leader has reportedly been killed at a campaign rally ahead of the legislative elections in less than two weeks, opposition members say.

Luis Manuel Diaz, a candidate and the Democratic Action Party’s leader for a town in central Guarico State, was shot dead on Wednesday, according to oppositionists.

The shooting took place during a public meeting with locals in Altagracia de Orituco. Diaz was reportedly shot by armed assailants in a car.

Venezuelan authorities have not yet commented on the incident.

This comes days before the country’s December 6 congressional elections. The Democratic Action Party is part of the opposition Democratic Unity coalition, which is contesting the vote for a new Venezuelan National Assembly.

The opposition claims that its supporters and activists have been targeted during campaign events in recent weeks. Officials deny any involvement, saying its foes are behind attempts to intimidate the opposition in a bid to discredit the government.