Venezuelan opposition preparing referendum to oust Maduro

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2016/03/29/Venezuelan-opposition-preparing-referendum-to-oust-Maduro/7201459269012/

CARACAS, Venezuela, March 29 (UPI) -- The Venezuelan opposition is not backing down in its efforts to create a recall referendum that would ask voters if President Nicolas Maduro should be removed from office.

When the Democratic Unity Roundtable, or MUD, opposition coalition seized control of Venezuela's unicameral National Assembly in January, the coalition announced it would seek to oust Maduro within months. The proposal has deteriorated discourse between Maduro's ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela, or PSUV, and the MUD.

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Maduro's approval ratings are often below 30 percent and critics blame the PSUV for Venezuela's economic failures. The PSUV, in turn, blames "economic warfare" waged by foreign actors, particularly the United States, and the opposition for the country's economic woes. Sharp drops in oil prices have added to Venezuela's troubles.
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The Venezuelan Constitution declares a recall referendum can be held once the president has served half a term and at least 20 percent of registered voters sign a petition.