U.S. condemns threat to ban Venezuela opposition from elections

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department on Monday condemned Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's threat to ban opposition parties from participating in next year's presidential elections.

"The Venezuelan people deserve the right to express their views and consent to governance through a free and fair democratic process that is open to all candidates," the department said in a statement.

After three opposition parties boycotted mayoral elections on Sunday, Maduro said on Monday they should be banned from participating in future elections.

(Reporting by Eric WalshEditing by Sandra Maler)