Venezuela recall vote 'not this year'

(Vatican Radio) The Government of Venezuela and the Opposition are in a race against time,  in a political battle about a referendum about President Nicolas Maduro. 

Listen to the report by James Blears: 

The Oppostion in Venezuela last month presented a petition, as their first step in trying to remove President Nicolas Maduro from office. But, The National Electoral Council states that 600,000 of the 1.9 million  signatures on the document are invalid.  

Ex Presidential Candidate Henrique Capriles says its ironic that his signature has been discounted, for  failing to meet so called stringent standards. 

At a rally in the Capitol Caracas, President Nicolas Maduro has said the Referendum won`t happen this year.  If it doesn`t take place by January 10th next year, there can`t be a Presidential Election.   After that time, even if President Maduro lost, his Vice President would step into his shoes and continue to rule until his term expired in January 2019. 

The Oppostion is accusing the National Electoral Council of discounting impartiality and falling in with the Government. 
All of this is happening, because Venezuela`s economy is crumbling, along with an increasing proportion of its infrastructure.   

With the global price of oil nosediving, Venezuela`s inflation is rocketing,  basic foodstuffs and the necessities of life are lacking and many things are toppling, but NOT the Government.