BRUSSELS (Sputnik) — An unofficial referendum organized by the opposition on Sunday rejected the plan of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to convene the Constituent Assembly, which will be charged with rewriting the nation's constitution. An absolute majority of 98 percent of the voters refused to accept Maduro's plan.
"It is absolutely clear that the referendum organized yesterday by the opposition shows the desire of Venezuelan people to find a peaceful way to resolve many difficulties immediately, and that most of the population doesn't appear, that's obvious, to support the Constituent Assembly. The convening of the Assembly might further divide the country and deepen the confrontation," Mogherini said.
The National Electoral Council of Venezuela has previously stated that the plebiscite organized by the opposition would not have legal effect, as only the legislature has the right to organize a referendum. The election for the 545 members of the Constituent Assembly is scheduled for July 30. The opposition believes that Maduro's plan for constitutional reform is aimed at sidelining the parliament.
