Let's say you were the type of person who wanted to enrich yourself at the expense of the country:

why would you possibly join the side that has been out of power for 14 years and in fact controls almost nothing?

but yes, the most corrupt are those currently in the ruling power.

They are going after Capriles. The farce of keeping Chavez "alive" can't last forever. They need to beat down the opposition for the upcoming new election.

replacement deputies will immediately jump ship to the Chavista side.

But few here on this forum admit the corruption within chavista circles.

$700 million from the Aben Pearl. Stolen. Gone. Kaput. To a small circle of "go betweeners." It's inconceivable.

I suspect his health will not allow him to return to office.

So yes, these corruption charges are indeed attempts to weaken the opposition in preparation for a post-Chavez transition.

Because the Venezuelan military leadership is so politicized, I also believe there's a strong possibility of a military coup if an opposition candidate appears to be heading for an election win.

s

Maduro, Cabello, Capriles, all three on their own sides, with Maduro in charge of the Chavistas, Cabello in charge of the military, and Capriles in charge of the opposition.