The revoking referendum in the Venezuelan Constitution
The revoking referendum is one of the most polemic points included in the agreement achieved by government and opposition at the Negotiation and Agreement Table. It is widely considered a way out of the current crisis facing Venezuela. The voting should be made as provided for in article 72 of the Venezuelan Constitution, which reads as follows:
Article 72: All magistrates and holders of other offices filled by popular vote are subject to revocation.
Once half of the term of office to which an official has been elected has elapsed, a number of voters constituting at least 20 percent of the voters registered in the appropriate constituency may file a petition for calling a referendum to revoke such official's mandate.
When a number of voters equal to or greater than the number of those who elected the official votes in favor of revocation, provided that a number of voters equal to or greater than 25 percent of the total number of registered voters have voted, the official's mandate shall be deemed revoked, and immediate actions shall be taken to fill the permanent vacancy pursuant to the Constitution and the law.
The revocation of the mandate for bodies shall be made in accordance with laws.
During the term to which the official is elected, only one petition to recall his/her mandate may be filed.