Following expiration of the term to file the relevant petitions, the board of directors of the National Electoral Council (CNE) agreed to start recall bids against 13 governors in Venezuela.

The governors who joined the list recently are Luis Felipe Acosta Carlez (central Carabobo state), Johnny Yánez Rangel (central-western Cojedes state), Jesús Montilla (northwestern Falcón state), Diosdado Cabello (north-central Miranda state), Ramón Martínez (northeastern Sucre state), Eduardo Manuitt (central Guárico state).

Two weeks ago, CNE okayed recall petitions against governors Tarek W. Saab (northeastern Anzoátegui state), Didalco Bolívar (north-central Aragua state), Francisco Rangel (southern Bolívar state), Carlos Giménez (central-western Yaracuy state), José Gregorio Briceño (eastern Monagas state), Gilmer Viloria, southern Trujillo state, and Antonio Rodríguez, central-northern Vargas state.

While local media Thursday reported that a recall referendum would also be held against northwestern Zulia governor Manuel Rosales, leader of opposition Un Nuevo Tiempo party and former presidential candidate, CNE directors denied this information.

All of the above mentioned officials, as well as two mayors and two parliamentarians, are to face recall votes if the mandatory amount of signatures endorsing a referendum petition is collected.
 
Signature collection is scheduled on June 16, 17 and 18. If 20 percent of voters in each of their states support the motion, the three governors will face a referendum to terminate their mandates.