Venezuela's Maduro says recall vote will be in 2017 at earliest
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CARACAS - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Saturday that a potential recall referendum against him would be in 2017 at the earliest, pushing back against growing opposition pressure to have the vote this year.
If Maduro, a socialist, were to lose a recall referendum in 2016, a new presidential election would be held. If it only occurs next year, his vice president would replace him in the event of a loss.
"There will be no blackmailing here. If the recall referendum's requirements are met, it will be next year and that's it," Maduro said on state television.
