In a setback for opposition efforts to oust Hugo Chavez, Venezuela's Supreme Court Wednesday called off a February 2 referendum on President Hugo Chavez's mandate, local television reported.
The electoral commission had called for the referendum, following demands from Chavez opponents leading a 52-day general strike in the South American country.
Chavez has called the proposed referendum unconstitutional and refused to accept the result, according to AFP.
The electoral commission said the effect of the court's ruling was to "freeze" but not cancel the referendum.
Meanwhile, hours later, Chavez moved to strengthen Venezuela's strike-damaged economy, saying he would impose foreign exchange controls to prevent the country’s currency from further plummeting, AP said.
Opposition leaders reacted angrily to the court's decision, contending that Chavez's government was acting through the court to cling to power in spite of international pressure to find an electoral solution to end the political crisis.
Government leaders rejected the claim, saying that the opposition has embraced past court decisions against Chavez.
Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel, for his part, demanded that "the opposition respect" the court's decision, implying that it should drop its call for a referendum. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
