Venezuela has always been a dictatorship country, Hugo Chavez rigged the elections ans thats how he stayed in Power, the current president couldn't do that and now he doesnt want to step down. Which is quite shameful.
Chavez had no need to rig the elections. During his rein, he enjoyed high oil prices, and therefore he could roll out a large number of social welfare measures. The poor overwhelmingly voted for him. But things have changed now. Maduro no longer commands such a loyal following.