Venezuelan opposition protests to force Maduro recall

SANTIAGO, Chile

Venezuelan opposition parties conducted protests across the country Wednesday to increase pressure for an early recall vote against President Nicolas Maduro.

Demonstrations were held in all 23 states and near the local headquarters of the National Electoral Council (CNE).

Opposition coalition parties of the Democratic Unity Table (MUD) began a new wave of mobilizations last Thursday to set a date for the collections of the 4 million signatures needed to force the vote. The next round of protests are set for next Wednesday.

The opposition needs the vote to takes place before Jan. 10 in order to hold elections for a new if Maduro is recalled.

The Constitution stipulates that if the vote takes place after that date, the final two years of Maduro’s term must be completed by president Maduro would appoint.

In the capital, Caracas, the opposition asked for the total shutdown of all activities for 10 minutes during the middle of the day.

“Our strategy is to isolate, segregate and defeat the corrupt and violators of human rights government,” MUD leader Jesus Torrealba told the press during protests.

A counter protest was also held as thousands of public employees and government supporters marched through the downtown Caracas in support of Maduro.

Venezuela is dealing with political, economic and social crises with citizens complaining of a lack of food and basic supplies. In some people are experiencing 80 percent shortages.

U.S. Vice President Jos Biden warned Wednesday that the Venezuelan government should not “ignore the voices” of its people and emphasized the need for a recall vote later this year.

“There should be a recall before the end of this year and the Venezuelan Constitution must be respected,” he said while talking to a group of bankers in Washington. “They need to free the political prisoners,” he added.