Sham

Welcome to the Voice of America’s News Words.

In January, Venezuelan politician Juan Guaido took a public oath to serve as the country’s interim or temporary president.

Sham

More than 15 European countries followed U. S President Donald Trump’s lead in recognizing Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s interim president.

They said last year’s presidential election in which Nicholas Maduro won was a sham.

A sham is something or someone that is not what it appears to be so as to trick.

A sham election is one that is held for show, without true purpose.

The election “results” are not meaningful.