The ruling Socialist Party swept local elections in Venezuela after an opposition boycott and widespread allegations of pro-government bias, setting the stage for a presidential vote next year. President Nicolás Maduro said his party won more than 300 of the country’s 335 counties, tightening his grip on Venezuela as he seeks to keep his movement in power for a third decade despite hyperinflation and tumbling oil output. Electoral authorities said the ruling party won the vast majority of Venezuela’s major cities, including former opposition strongholds. In a further blow to the demoralized opposition, Mr. Maduro threatened to ban political parties who boycotted Sunday’s mayoral elections from fielding presidential candidates. More than nine million Venezuelans, or 47% of registered voters, cast ballots on Sunday, the lowest turnout in at least six years, […]