Venezuela election officials sanction party accused by opposition of trying to confuse voters

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuelan election officials are sanctioning a small party competing in next month's legislative elections for trying to confuse voters.

The South American country's elections board said Thursday that it is banning advertisements by the MIN Unity party for the Dec. 6 elections.

Election board member Luis Rondon said on his Twitter account that the party appeared to be intentionally trying to sow confusion.

MIN Unity has drawn criticism in recent weeks for seeming to mimic the slogan and logo of Venezuela's main opposition coalition, known as MUD Unity. In one district, MIN Unity is even running a candidate with the same name as the incumbent, who belongs to the opposition group.

MIN Unity leaders say it is a coincidence and the opposition is making unfair accusations because it fears competition.