VENEZUELA’S opposition has  accused the government of a “judicial coup” after two of its MPs were among four to have their elections called into doubt.

 

The right-wing Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) made its accusations on Thursday after the Supreme Court’s electoral hall upheld accusations of irregularities.

 

The ruling threatens to deny the opposition the super-majority it won in the December 6 elections. The new parliament is due to be sworn in on Tuesday.

 

But among the four National Assembly deputies whose results were cast into doubt was one from President Nicolas Maduro’s United Socialist Party (PSUV).

 

One of the two specially reserved indigenous MPs — both of whom back the MUD — also had their result questioned. The court gave no details of the allegations but Mr Maduro had previously hinted at evidence of vote-buying.

 

The court rejected six other challenges to the election results.

 

The decision does not immediately annul the four MPs’ elections but could ultimately lead to new polls in their constituencies.

 

Washington lent its support to the allegations by its favoured MUD party.

 

A US State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “We continue to call for respect for the will of the people, the separation of powers and the democratic process.”

 

Mr Maduro’s trademark moustache was saved from the chop when the national housing mission handed over its millionth home on December 30. The president had vowed to shave if the target was not reached by the end of the year.