3 opposition parties in Venezuela blocked from elections

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Three of Venezuela's most influential opposition parties have effectively been stripped of the right to participate in next year's presidential election.

The all-powerful national constituent assembly passed a decree Wednesday requiring the parties to reapply for legal status before participating in future elections.

It follows a threat by socialist President Nicolas Maduro to punish three of the biggest opposition groups for boycotting mayoral elections.

The parties didn't participate in the elections as a protest against gubernatorial races held in October that they considered fraudulent.

Opposition leader Tomas Guanipa says the act outlawing the opposition violates the constitution.