Drivers block a main avenue in Caracas during a protest due to the shortage of spare parts for their vehicles on 21 September Bus drivers bring chaos to Caracas

Bus drivers in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, have paralysed the city for eight hours by blocking the streets with their vehicles to protest against the country's economic crisis.

Hundreds of drivers demanded more pay and protection from violent crime.

Many said they needed more money to maintain their buses and complained of scarcity of spare parts.

Meanwhile, the electoral authorities ruled out a recall referendum this year against President Nicolas Maduro.

The decision is a setback for the opposition, which has been pressing for a vote to oust him.

The electoral commission said a referendum could take place early next year if the opposition secure the signatures of four million voters in a three-day period in October.

The timing of the vote is crucial: if Mr Maduro were to leave office after 10 January there would not be fresh elections and the vice-president would take over.

Growing discontent on the streets

Economy on the brink?

What has gone wrong in Venezuela?