The US has criticized the upcoming Venezuelan elections as 'fake,' and rushed to support 'democracy' by slapping a top ruling-party member with new sanctions and accusing President Nicolas Maduro of drug-trade profiteering.

The "second most powerful man in Venezuela," Diosdado Cabello, immediately brushed aside the accusations and new US sanctions introduced against him for allegedly heading a drug ring. He said such slander would only strengthen the ruling party's candidate, Maduro, to win Sunday's elections.

"In truth I feel liberated, that imperialism is busy persecuting this humble soldier and his family, strengthens me, forces me every day to continue fighting for the causes that I believe and to be faithful and loyal to our beloved people," Cabello, who is vice president of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), saidin a tweet after the US Treasury slapped him – as well as two members of his family, and his "front man" – with sanctions ahead of the election.

En verdad me siento liberado, que el imperialismo se ocupe de perseguir a este humilde soldado y a su familia, me fortalece, me obliga cada día a seguir luchando por las causas que creo y a serle fiel y leal a nuestro querido Pueblo. Y que se lo graben: Nosotros Venceremos!! — Diosdado Cabello R (@dcabellor) May 18, 2018

The US has applied every effort ahead of the May 20 elections to taint the reputation of Maduro and the ruling Socialist Party. Just before the incumbent president's Sunday election showdown with main challengers Henri Falcon, from the Progressive Advance party, and