What's next for Venezuela?

THE ousting of Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela's president puts to the test his “Chavista” factions that have governed the oil-rich nation for 27 years.

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What happens to the so-called “club of five” powerful leftist figures, now that two of its most important members - Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores - have been captured and sent to the US to face trial?

‘Club of five’

Anointed by his mentor Hugo Chavez before the latter's death in 2013, Maduro kept a tight grip on power until his capture by US forces at the weekend.

Maduro ruled alongside Flores and three other powerful figures: former vice president Delcy Rodriguez - now Venezuela’ interim leader - her brother Jorge, and their rival: hardline Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello.

“It’s like a club of five,’ a diplomatic source in Caracas said under the condition of anonymity.

“They can speak, they have a voice in the government, but Maduro was the one who kept the balance. Now that he’s gone, who knows?”

Maduro and ‘Super Cilita’

The image of Maduro handcuffed and blindfolded as US forces transported him to New York to face trial made headlines around the world.