Over seven million Venezuelans vote in unofficial referendum held by Opposition

FP Staff • July 17, 2017, 12:17:13 IST

More than 7 million Venezuelans voted in Sunday’s unofficial referendum held by the opposition to heap pressure on President Nicolas Maduro and repudiate his plan to rewrite the OPEC nation’s constitution, monitors said

More than 7 million Venezuelans voted in Sunday’s unofficial referendum held by the Opposition to heap pressure on President Nicolas Maduro and repudiate his plan to rewrite the nation’s constitution. Reuters

According to Al Jazeera, the vote had not been approved by electoral officials despite millions of Venezuelans participating in the poll. Reuters

The symbolic plebiscite was aimed at denting Maduro’s legitimacy further amid a crippling economic crisis that has left millions struggling for food. The previous months have seen large-scale anti-government protests, which have left nearly 100 people dead. Reuters

Opposition leaders hailed the referendum as a success. However, Maduro dismissed Sunday’s poll as unconstitutional and is campaigning instead for a 30 July vote to create a legislative superbody that would have the power to rewrite the constitution and dissolve state institutions. Reuters

Former Colombian president Andres Pastrana (R) addresses the audience next to former Costa Rican president Laura Chinchilla. The event appeared to rejuvenate the Opposition amid weariness with street protests, but it is unlikely to lead to a change of government in the short term. Reuters

Despite the vote not being recognised, a festive atmosphere reigned in most cities, with people chanting “Yes we can!” Music was played aloud, car horns were honked, and Venezuelan flags were waved. Reuters