Venezuela’s Attorney General to launch investigation into potential voter fraud

Venezuela's Attorney General has initiated an investigation into potential voter fraud in Sunday's election, following claims that the government may have inflated voter numbers significantly, CNN reports.

Luisa Ortega Diaz, in an interview to CNN en Español, said that she has appointed two prosecutors to investigate the directors of the National Electoral Council "for this very scandalous act that could generate more violence in the country than what we have already experienced."

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro orchestrated last weekend's vote, which led to the creation of a controversial new legislative body, the National Constituent Assembly, CNN reported. The body takes the place of the opposition-led National Assembly, in a move that critics fear will erode democracy.

The opposition boycotted the election, calling it fraudulent, and said the National Constituent Assembly will have the power to rewrite Venezuela's constitution.

"It's very serious, I believe we have to investigate and determine who is at fault," Ortega, a vocal critic of Maduro's government, said.

"Probably, voter data doesn't even match half of it (voter turnout)."

She called the formation of the Assembly a "significant event" and said that the new body has no oversight.

"They can do all they want. We are going to have a legislative body with super powers," Ortega said. "It's important for the country to know the reach of this fraud and if it constitutes a crime."