Venezuelans sign up in anti-Chavez drive

asia.cnn.com Monday, February 3, 2003 Posted: 3:06 PM HKT (0706 GMT)

CARACAS, Venezuela (CNN) -- Venezuelan opposition leaders staged a massive petition drive Sunday, collecting thousands of signatures endorsing a number of demands including the immediate ouster of president Hugo Chavez.

Chavez's removal had been the linchpin of a 63-day general strike which has crippled the economy and sparked huge, sometimes violent demonstrations.

Thousands of oil workers said they'll continue the walkout until new elections are held, but opposition members said the general strike will be eased in other ways. (Opposition to ease strike)

Most businesses would open for restricted hours, while schools and banks would function normally.

"El Firmazo" -- "The Great Signup" -- listed several demands, including removal of Chavez and the National Assembly from office, a constitutional amendment to change the six-year presidential term to four and support for striking oil company (PDVSA) employees.

Under Venezuela's constitution, 15 percent of registered voters -- approximately 1.8 million people -- can call for any given amendment and then it becomes mandatory to hold a referendum.

The strike began December 2 and has forced Venezuela -- the world's fifth largest oil producer -- to buy gasoline from Brazil and Trinidad.

-- Journalist Adrian Criscaut contributed to this report.