Venezuela opposition promises 'zero hour' following non-binding vote

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Opposition leaders took to the podium to announce a national strike against President Nicolas Maduro, even as volunteers were counting the ballots from Sunday's unofficial vote. This comes amid an escalation of protests after a massive symbolic referendum during the weekend.

According to the opposition, 7.6 million voters rejected the constituent process in a symbolic referendum Sunday. The unofficial vote was devised by opposition parties to challenge the government and reject President Maduro's plans for a Constituent Assembly with powers to rewrite the constitution. The strike is the next step for opposition leaders.

President Maduro says he's going to move forward with his initiative to create a Constituent Assembly. Government officials say the plebiscite called by the opposition was a waste of time and energy.

For over three months, the Venezuelan opposition has held near daily demonstrations to protest the government. Maduro called on the opposition to participate in a dialogue to solve the current political and economic crisis, which was rejected by the opposition leaders, saying a dialogue will lead them nowhere.

The "zero hour" general strike is being called for this Thursday, ahead of the government's planned elections for a constituent assembly next week.