Venezuela opposition deposit petition to oust President Maduro

Venezuela's opposition has presented to the electoral authorities a petition with the signatures of 1.85 million voters calling for a referendum to oust President Nicolas Maduro. 

This is the first step in a process which could lead to a recall referendum being held by the end of the year.

The opposition blames the socialist government's policies for the current economic crisis and the shortage of staple goods in many shops.



The executive secretary of opposition party MUD (Democratic Unity Roundtable), Jesus Torrealba, said he had handed over to the National Electoral Board 80 boxes with the signed papers.

"With this successful strategy, MUD moves forward in its bid to achieve urgent political change through strictly peaceful and constitutional means," Jesus Torrealba said.


Note

Under Venezuela's constitution, presidents can be removed from office by means of a referendum once they have served half their term.

President Nicolas Maduro took office in April 2013 when was elected to replace Hugo Chavez, who died of cancer.

President Nicolas Maduro's term ends in 2019.