The people in Venezuela are facing a collapsing currency, food and medical shortages, soaring inflation, and widespread social unrest.

The government issued a nationwide ban on protests and that came after a 2 day national strike that thousands of workers took part in.

Just this week, opposition to president Maduro organized to protest in the streets, ahead of a referendum being held that is seeking to elect a constituent assembly that would be tasked with rewriting the nation's constitution.

Maduro insists that it's necessary to rewrite the constitution in order to establish order and peace in the region.

Those who are protesting in the streets say that they want the president to abandon the plans to rewrite the constitution for the country and many others want to see him step down from his position and for a new election to be held.

Critics have said that their concern is, but that along with that move, there is disagreement and fear for the new power and absolute authority that the newly established legislative body would have.

Thousands of protesters remain seemingly determined to continue their civil disobedience so long as the problems continue to worsen for them and their loved ones.

There have been losses on both sides, for both law enforcement and the protesters.

It's estimated that roughly 70 percent of the population is opposed to the upcoming vote, according to some opinion polls.

The vote is expected to take place on Sunday, July 30th, and it's expected that members will be elected who will be charged with rewriting the Constitution that was established almost two decades ago.

It's expected that things are going to get violent this weekend and many people have been seen stocking-up on food and water at the market, buying whatever they can in the midst of the ongoing food shortages. The government has issued warnings for protesters to stay out of the streets leading up to the vote and the nation-wide ban on protests is in place until Tuesday of next week.

However, political opposition to Maduro has already claimed that they will engage in civil disobedience; there have been protests throughout the week.

banner thanks to @son-of-satire

Pics:Meridith Kohut for NYT via nytimes.com/2017/07/29/world/americas/venezuela-nicolas-maduro-constituent-assembly.htmlAFP via pulse.ng/world/in-venezuela-shadow-high-court-judge-jailed-id7043602.htmlAriana Cubillos/AP Photo via Toronto Sun

Source:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/28/venezuela-protests-government-ban-nicolas-maduro

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/fear-spreads-in-venezuela-ahead-of-planned-protest-of-controversial-election/2017/07/28/caef4bd4-73a0-11e7-8c17-533c52b2f014_story.html?tid=ss_fb-bottom&utm_term=.2ae9e5a10290

http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/26/americas/venezuela-48-hour-strike/index.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/venezuela-protests-tipping-point_us_597b7f31e4b02a8434b653a0?utm_campaign=hp_fb_pages&utm_source=news_fb&utm_medium=facebook&ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000021

http://www.torontosun.com/2017/07/29/violent-protests-continue-as-venezuela-prepares-for-vote-to-rewrite-constitution

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKBN1AE0JO

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