Venezuela opposition warns of 'judicial coup' by Maduro

Venezuela's opposition urged the international community Wednesday to stop a "judicial coup" by President Nicolas Maduro after his party filed a legal challenge to the opposition's landslide victory in legislative elections.

In an open letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and other top international officials, the opposition coalition, the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), condemned a court case brought by the ruling socialist party that threatens a super-majority the MUD won on December 6.

"The country, the region and the world are facing a judicial coup attempt against the Venezuelan people's decision as expressed at the ballot box," MUD executive secretary Jesus Torrealba said in the letter.

"The ruling party's irresponsible behavior is pushing the entire country to the brink of disaster, which would have grave consequences for the entire region."

The letter was also addressed to European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and the top officials of the Organization of American States, the Union of South American Nations and regional bloc MERCOSUR.

The opposition won 112 of 167 seats in the elections, a dramatic blow to Maduro and the "revolution" launched in 1999 by his late predecessor Hugo Chavez.

But the court challenge by the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, which contests the election of eight lawmakers, could reduce that number to 104, which is shy of a two-thirds majority.

The super-majority gives MUD the power to put legislation to a referendum, remove officials from office, call an assembly to draft a new constitution and possibly seek to force Maduro from power before the end of his term in 2019.

Maduro alleged Tuesday that the vote was marred by fraud.

"Criminals were buying votes ... There was a plan," he said on state TV, adding that authorities were investigating.

The legal challenge will be decided by the Supreme Court of Justice.

Last week, Maduro's party used an extraordinary session in the final days of its legislative majority to name 13 new judges and 21 substitute judges to the 32-member court.

The opposition, which boycotted the session, condemned the move.

Analysts warn of a tough political struggle ahead for oil-rich but deeply troubled Venezuela, which is mired in recession and facing a potentially chaotic period of divided government.