The National Electoral Council (CNE) announced on Tuesday that it will soon disclose the date and schedule for the first electoral event planned for 2025.
“We want to inform the public that the date and schedule for the first of these constitutional elections have already been decided. In the coming hours, we will announce the date, call the election, and immediately activate the electoral timeline,” the statement read, as shared through state broadcaster Venezolana de Televisión (VTV).
Continuous Sessions at the CNE
Since January 17, the CNE has been in continuous session to plan elections for governors, mayors, and the National Assembly (AN), as well as other elections scheduled for this year.
Parliament Presents Electoral Proposal
Last Friday, Parliament submitted its proposal for the election schedule covering parliamentary, regional, and municipal elections in 2025.
Jorge Rodríguez, President of Parliament, led the presentation of the document alongside the legislative board. The proposal was received by CNE’s principal rector, Elvis Amoroso.
“In Venezuela, positions are filled through popular elections, each with a term clearly established in the Constitution: five years for deputies and four years for governors and mayors. Anything else is pure fantasy,” Rodríguez said during a press conference at the CNE headquarters in Caracas.
Ten Elections in the Works
Rodríguez revealed that between nine and ten elections are planned for this year, including community consultations and a referendum to approve constitutional reforms.
“We need to fit ten electoral events between now and December 31, 2025. This is no easy task, which is why we sought input and are presenting this proposal to the National Electoral Council,” he explained.
He emphasized that only the Electoral Authority has the power to oversee the process.
“No other entity, national or foreign, can make electoral decisions. Only the CNE is responsible for organizing, announcing, managing, and certifying elections,” Rodríguez stated.
CNE to Analyze Proposals in Ongoing Sessions
The CNE has called continuous sessions to review proposals and outline the schedule for the upcoming elections.
Rodríguez highlighted that political parties involved in discussions agreed on key principles for the elections: respect for the Constitution, electoral laws, national sovereignty, and peace.
He also ruled out changes to the CNE’s leadership and stressed the importance of safeguarding the Venezuelan people’s voting rights by ensuring “transparent elections.”
Election in Guayana Esequiba
The CNE will organize the election of a governor for Guayana Esequiba, a 160,000 km² territory claimed by Venezuela but disputed with Guyana.
Electoral Law Amendments Under Discussion
Rodríguez mentioned that some electoral laws, such as the Political Parties Law, could be adjusted. He also emphasized that individuals who call for foreign intervention will not be eligible as candidates.
“No country in the world allows someone advocating for invasion to run for office. We’ve reviewed this, and there’s not a single case,” he affirmed.
Finally, he noted that the Electoral Process Law cannot be modified less than six months before an election, but other laws can still be revised.
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