At a press conference on Monday, the president of Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE), Tibisay Lucena, highlighted the strong reputation and credibility of the electoral branch of government as demonstrated in each of the country’s electoral processes.

Lucena thanked CNE staff, political parties and international observers for their role in Sunday’s primary elections for the opposition parties of the Unified Democratic Platform (known by its Spanish initials as MUD).

Lucena also thanked the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) and stated that logistical and safety proceedings under what is known as “Plan República” functioned “like clockwork.” Plan República is an operation that takes place during all the country’s elections, in which armed forces are deployed throughout the country to guarantee security and watch voting material and machines.

The president of the CNE also congratulated all Venezuelans who participated in the election.

“We are a country where institutions work. We are showing once again that each and every one of the activities in the national electoral process take place according to international standards,” Lucena said.

Lucena also highlighted the work of the national telephone company, CANTV, which transmitted the results after the close of the primary elections. The data was handed over to the MUD at about 8pm local time on Sunday.

The Venezuelan official said that she was satisfied with the performance of the electoral branch of government, which, she reiterated, upholds standards of excellence.

Sunday’s primaries were held to choose an opposition candidate for the presidential race (elections are on October 7 of this year), as well as candidates for gubernatorial elections (this December 16) and local elections (on April 14, 2013).

AVN / Press Office – Venezuelan Embassy to the U.S. / February 13, 2012