Venezuelan campaign passes first hurdle

Venezuela's national election council has announced its approval of the first step in an opposition campaign to recall President Nicola Maduro.

It said the opposition had succeeded in gathering 1% of voter signatures in all 24 of Venezuela's states.

The move is the first part of the opposition's push for an early end to President Maduro's term in office.

In a further twist, the supreme court suspended opposition activity in the country's parliament.

It said activity would be frozen until three opposition members being investigated for vote-buying were removed.

Venezuela is going through a political and economic crisis, which has led to shortages of basic goods and looting.

The inflation rate is one of the highest in the world and there are long queues outside shops.