Minimal participation in collecting signatures against Maduro after opposition boycott

Several signature collection points to activate a recall referendum for the mandate of the president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, were empty this Wednesday, in the midst of the opposition's call not to participate in the campaign, considering that the conditions established make it impossible.

The National Electoral Council (CNE), controlled by Chavismo, announced five days ago that the process to collect 20% of the register of each state, some 4.2 million signatures, would have to be done in a period of 12 hours in 1,200 centres, which opponents and experts considered unfeasible.

The opposition faction that promoted the mechanism, made up of minority parties gathered in the Venezuelan Movement for the Recall (Mover), ended up calling for non-participation due to the CNE's refusal to extend the terms.

On a tour of eastern Caracas, reporters found virtually empty signature collection centres.

In a public gym in Petare, one person arrived within 15 minutes, while in a nearby square there were less than 10 people.

"I went out to participate because we are already tired of this government, I want a recall and that is what Venezuela has to do: all go out to sign," said Belkys Rivas, a 59-year-old retiree.

Mover, which did not have the express support of the main opposition parties, claims that the conditions established by the CNE prevented it from organising mechanisms for participation.

The Constitution provides that any official elected by popular vote can be removed from office through a recall, once half of his term has expired.

If the required signatures are not obtained, it will not be possible to request another recall against Maduro.

The ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) had also said that it would request the final list of the people who sign, increasing the fear of participating in the face of possible reprisals.