Chavez foes deliver 2-million signatures

CARACAS, Venezuela -- An opposition march demanding an early vote on Hugo Chavez's presidency erupted in chaos Monday as government supporters attacked the marchers and police tried to break it up with tear gas and rubber bullets. At least 16 people were wounded, including three police officers.

More than 60 others sustained minor injuries in a series of running street battles between police protecting the tens of thousands of marchers and the hundreds of Chavez backers.

The violence came as Chavez opponents marched to deliver more than 2-million signatures demanding a vote on his presidency. The opposition, which accuses Chavez of creating a totalitarian regime, has threatened an indefinite general strike that could affect oil processing in the world's fifth largest producer.

Chavez supporters threw rocks and bottles at the marchers and set fire to roadblocks. One group tried to hijack a bus to block the route; others threw rocks at reporters and the National Elections Council building.

The first jubilant marchers to reach the council building hugged each other and chanted, "Elections now!"

Chavez insists on negotiations and postponing any vote until August.

According to the constitution, a nonbinding referendum on matters of national importance can be called with the support of 10 percent of the electorate, or 1.2-million people.

The opposition wants a Dec. 4 nonbinding vote. Director Jose Manuel Zerpa said the National Elections Council has 30 days to verify signatures and decide whether a vote can be held.

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