TSJ gets ready to debate composition of National Electoral College (CNE)

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Thursday, May 29, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

According to newspapers reports, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) Constitutional Chamber has been discussing the composition of the new National Electoral College (CNE) in view of the fact that debate in the National Assembly (AN) has peaked to stalemate. 

• The magistrate charged with drawing up a presentation paper, Jesus Eduardo Cabrera says he hopes to have everything prepared within a week. 

Sources indicate that 2 magistrates initially disagreed with the proposal that the TSJ should appoint the CNE board ... one contending the AN should do it and the other suggesting giving the deputies a 10-day deadline but in the end they voted to open a debate in the Chamber. 

National Electoral College (CNE)

It seems that Movimiento Quinta Republica (MVR)  deputy, Omar Mezza is behind the proposal to leave the matter to the TSJ since the House has reached deadlock on how to select the fifth and decisive member. The opposition does not support the initiative because it maintains that the government bench has more TSJ magistrates in its favor than the opposition and therefore, the fifth CNE board member will be a government favorite. 

Political observers are divided on the issue with a majority favoring a parliamentary compromise. Neither side is budging on the issue and MVR has taken advantage of its parliamentary majority as the opposition would do, if it was in power.