Person dropping a voting receipt in CNE's security boxes. Photo courtesy of REUTERS / Carlos Garcia Rawlins.
The vice president of the National Electoral Council (CNE), Carlos Quintero, reported this Sunday, May 18, that 100% of the electoral materials are ready for the upcoming elections scheduled for May 25.
During a press conference, Quintero explained that 85% of the electoral scheduled has been completed for the election in which 569 positions will be contested. Of these, 285 are deputies to the National Assembly for the 2026–2031 term, in addition to 260 state legislators and state governors, including for the Guayana Esequiba state.
Likewise, the top CNE official recalled that Venezuelans will also elect 260 legislators and governors of the states, including Guayana Esequiba for the first time, in accordance with the results of the Consultative Referendum held on December 3, 2023. “Guayana Esequiba will have eight deputies and seven deputies to the legislative council,” he added.
He also said that 54 national, regional, and Indigenous political organizations will participate in this democratic process. “A total of 36,980 applications were received, corresponding to 6,600 candidates,” of whom “54% are men and 46% are women, ensuring gender parity.”
The electoral register includes “21.5 million Venezuelan voters” who will participate in the elections at 15,736 voting centers, 27,713 polling stations, and 1,236 contingency centers.
Quintero highlighted telecommunications efforts to ensure efficient data transmission for rapid, real-time results.
He stated that 488,000 personnel and 5,362 technical professionals are mobilized to ensure proper functioning of voting machines and centers. They will log and resolve incidents immediately, supported by CANTV operators to address technical issues.
Plan RepĂşblica
Quintero confirmed that Plan RepĂşblica will deploy 412,887 troops nationwide to safeguard electoral materials, secure voting centers, and ensure peace during the process.
President Maduro Calls on All People to Vote in May 25 Elections
Meanwhile, Corpoelec will activate approximately “15,664 workers to guarantee electricity supply on election day.” Regarding electoral guarantees, he reiterated the transparency of audits: “We have completed 60% of the audits; the remaining 40% will conclude this week.”
“We call on all citizens appointed as polling station members to complete training online by Friday the 23rd, ensuring compliance with democratic procedures under the law,” he urged.
Finally, he emphasized the significance of the May 25 vote and called on all Venezuelans to participate and exercise their right.
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/SL
