Story highlights Maduro called the Democratic candidate "our revolutionary friend"

Maduro said Trump could be elected because he "is using a force for change hidden in U.S. society"

(CNN) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro believes Bernie Sanders would be headed to the White House if the U.S. held "free" and fair elections.

During a television broadcast on Tuesday night, Maduro -- who has expressed support for Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, in the past -- called the Democratic candidate "our revolutionary friend" and said it was only "an archaic (electoral) system that is 200 years old" keeping him from the presidency.

"Donald Trump could win with the electoral system they have in the United States," Maduro said. "And you know why? Because Donald Trump is using a force for change hidden in U.S. society."

Neither campaign responded immediately to requests for comment.

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