It said the opposition had succeeded in gathering 1% of voter signatures in all 24 of Venezuela's states.
The move is the first part of the opposition's push for an early end to President Maduro's term in office.
In a further twist, the supreme court suspended opposition activity in the country's parliament.
It said activity would be frozen until three opposition members being investigated for vote-buying were removed.
Venezuela is going through a political and economic crisis, which has led to shortages of basic goods and looting.