Venezuela's opposition on Tuesday welcomed a Supreme Court deadline to appoint a new electoral authority by Aug. 24, saying this increased the likelihood of a referendum this year on leftist President Hugo Chavez's rule.

"I am convinced there will be a referendum this year," Alejandro Armas, spokesman for the opposition Coordinadora Democratica coalition, told Reuters.

In a move to break a political deadlock over a recall vote, the country's highest court on Monday gave the National Assembly 10 days to appoint a new National Electoral Council.

If the parliament fails, the court said it would designate the body itself within 10 days. It has declared a previous electoral council unfit to organize a vote.

"This helps to clear the doubts," Armas said.

Without an electoral authority, no poll can be held and government and opposition lawmakers had wrangled for weeks without success over the composition of the 15-member election body.

The Organization of American States has recommended a referendum as a peaceful, democratic solution to the fierce conflict between Chavez's supporters and foes that has kept the world's No. 5 oil exporter in turmoil for more than a year.

Supporters of the populist president, who survived a 2002 coup, insist the parliament should appoint the electoral council.

Venezuela's broad but divided opposition, which failed to oust Chavez with a general strike in December and January, met Tuesday to agree a unity pact to prepare for a vote.

Under the constitution, a referendum can be held on Chavez's rule after Aug. 19, when he completes half of his current mandate.

The opposition plans to deliver Aug 20 or later the required number of signatures - at least 20 percent of the total electorate - to trigger the recall vote.

Former paratrooper Chavez, who is accused by his foes of ruling like a dictator, has demanded they scrupulously complete all the referendum steps and has cast doubt on their ability to secure the vote.

"I believe the appointment of the electoral council and the delivery of the signatures Aug 20 will create a situation that makes the referendum unstoppable," Armas said.

Opposition leaders fear Chavez may still try to avoid the vote and they have vowed a campaign of street demonstrations.

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