Venezuelan opposition leads marches against President Maduro



CARACAS: -- Soldiers and demonstrators have clashed following largely peaceful protests in Venezuela.

The opposition led the rallies, which aimed to put pressure on electoral authorities to allow a recall referendum against leftist President Nicolas Maduro.

Stone-throwing protesters were met with tear gas during one anti-government march in Caracas.

Hundreds took to the streets of the capital and the provinces, but were blocked from reaching election board buildings.

Amid a worsening economic slump, the Democratic Unity coalition ramped up its efforts to topple the leader. It claims the pro-government electoral body is deliberately slowing down the verification of signatures in favour of the referendum.

Maduro’s term in office is due to end in 2019. However, a new election would be held as soon as 2017, if the opposition succeeds in recalling the unpopular president.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-05-12

.....the world is a schoolyard.....run by bullies.....