Venezuela spoiler candidates pose threat to opposition in regional vote

Venezuelan opposition leader Javier Bertucci, candidate for the Governor of Carabobo state, addresses supporters during a rally ahead of the regional elections, in Valencia, Venezuela August 24, 2021. Picture taken August 24, 2021. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria

VALENCIA, Venezuela (Reuters) - Venezuelan evangelical pastor Javier Bertucci has promised to mobilize his vast network of followers in upcoming regional elections to defeat the ruling Socialist Party candidate and become governor of the industrial state of Carabobo.

But the country's main opposition parties refused to back his candidacy following years of suspicions that he is a shadow ally of President Nicolas Maduro - allegations Bertucci calls unfounded.