National Electoral College (CNE)Carter Center monitors House progress on CNE appointments

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Wednesday, May 14, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Centro Carter leader Jennifer McCoy will visit Venezuela next to draw up a diagnosis of the political situation, including the electoral process. Electoral affairs expert, Marcel Gomez will accompany McCoy during the visit.

Carter Center official, Francisco Diez made the announcement after visiting National Assembly (AN)  president, Francisco Ameliach.  

Diez says he is confident that the AN will reach an agreement on the composition of the new National Electoral College (CNE) board. "We hope so ... it seems that both sides are making an effort." 

stained-glass window at the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ)Reiterating the disposition of the Center to serve, Diez confirms that both sides requested the Center to play a facilitating role and it would continue to so if required by any of the sides. However, inside the AN a meeting of the ad hoc parliamentary CNE appointment committee was postponed and a report is expected to be put before the House this afternoon. 

• Political observers suggest that the committee will request another 15 days to present the report. 

In the meantime, the opposition has huddled together to thrash out a common approach ... one sector wants the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) to decide and another wants a straight vote in a House plenary session.