Venezuela constitutional vote disrupted by violence

At least nine people, including an election candidate, were killed in the past 24 hours in Venezuela as the country voted for an all-powerful new legislative body tasked with reforming the constitution.

Country's opposition parties boycotted Sunday's polls, which they say is aimed at consolidating President Nicolas Maduro's power.

Counting of ballots across Venezuela began on Sunday night after the voting was extended by an hour. Preliminary results were expected before the end of the day.

Shootings at protests killed a 13-year-old and a 17-year-old in the western state of Tachira.

A soldier was also shot dead there. The death toll also included a 30-year-old regional leader of a youth opposition party in the northeast town of Cumana and two protesters in the western state of Merida.

UCJ, UNILORIN.