White House Backs Unofficial Venezuela Poll

The White House on Monday threw its weight behind a unsanctioned opposition-organized vote in Venezuela, saying the plebiscite provided an "unmistakable statement" in condemnation of the embattled ruling regime.

"We congratulate the Venezuelan people for the huge turnout in the referendum yesterday," White House spokesman Sean Spicer said.

He added: "We condemn the violence inflicted by government thugs against innocent voters." 

The opposition-organized ballot saw more than seven million of Venezuela's 19 million voters cast their vote, overwhelmingly against President Nicolas Maduro and his plans to rewrite the country's constitution.