Venezuelan Opposition Initiate Maduro Recall Referendum

Henry Ramos Allup (C), president of the National Assembly, at a press conference with other opposition lawmakers | Photo: Reuters

Venezuela’s opposition will press ahead with a recall referendum to oust President Nicolas Maduro from office after the National Electoral Council agreed that the right-wing opposition had met the criteria to begin the process. A total of 4 million signatures is required in order for a referendum against Maduro to be given the go ahead. A recall referendum then takes place three months after the 4 million signatures are gathered and approved by the National Electoral Council.

For the president to be removed via referendum, the opposition will need to win the referendum and garner the support of more than 7.5 million people, the number of voters who backed Maduro in the 2013 presidential election, when he won 50.6 percent of the popular vote.

The referendum would cut Maduro's term short and force new presidential elections in the country if the referendum is held before January 10, 2017. If held after that date then the vice president would finish Maduro's term.

Venezuela's right-wing opposition launched a campaign last month to remove President Nicolas Maduro from power. This plan includes street protests demanding his immediate resignation, along with plans to hold a recall referendum and change the constitution so that there are immediate elections.

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