7.1 Million Venezuelans Vote In Opposition Referendum

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela’s opposition said more than 7.1 million people responded to its call to vote Sunday in a symbolic rejection of President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution, a proposal that has raised tensions in a nation suffering through widespread shortages and months of anti-government protests. A 61-year-old woman was killed and four people wounded by gunfire that erupted after government supporters on motorcycles swarmed an opposition polling site in a church in the traditionally pro-government Catia neighborhood of western Caracas. Analysts said the vote for the opposition across Venezuela and the country’s far-flung diaspora was an impressive show of support.