Venezuelan Elections Set for Sunday
Venezuela"s National Electoral Council (CNE) ratified the holding of parliamentary elections on Sunday, in spite of opposition calls to put off the voting.

During a news conference on Thursday, president of CNE Jorge Rodriguez said all parties were heard and their concerns dealt with, and there is a large majority that supports the holding of elections on December 4.

His remarks coincided with a gathering by thousands of people in support of the electoral process, after several parties announced their decision to withdraw.

Despite this, said Rodriguez, only 78 of more than 4,000 registered candidates have withdrawn personally so far, as established in the country"s electoral regulations.

"Elections to the National Assembly and the Andean and Latin American parliaments will be held on December 4 from 5:30, as it is our constitutional, legal obligation," he stressed.

The official added that the schedule has been followed along every step of the way and there are conditions for all voters to go to the polls.