Two opposition protesters were killed in clashes with Venezuelan troops last night as electoral officials ruled foes of President Hugo Chavez had initially failed to collect enough signatures for a recall vote against him.
At least six people have been shot dead and dozens wounded in five days of violence in the world's fifth-largest oil exporter as Chavez opponents press for a vote against a leftist president they accuse of dictatorial rule.
National Electoral Council President Francisco Carrasquero said first results showed the opposition had collected only 1.83 million valid pro-referendum signatures - short of the minimum 2.4 million required to trigger a referendum.
But officials said opposition voters would have a chance to reconfirm an additional 1.1 million disputed signatures. The referendum could still go ahead if at least 600,000 of the questioned signatures are validated in a complex process criticized by the opposition as a tactic to scuttle the vote.
"There is no other way but to accept this decision," Mr Carrasquero said. "If someone does not accept it they will be acting outside the law."
A final decision on the referendum could be made at the end of March after the reconfirmation checks.
Troops firing tear gas and plastic bullets skirmished with anti-government protesters in the capital and several other cities. One demonstrator was killed in clashes in Valencia, about 120 miles (190 km) from Caracas and another man was shot dead in the capital, hospital officials said.
