Venezuela Elections Today
The preparations for Venezuela Presidential elections slated for today, December 3, come to an end as Venezuelans head for the polls to choose a new leader, or to re-elect an old one.

In declarations to the press General Wilfredo Silva Chief of the National Armed Forces Unified Command (CUFAN) noted that all the voting tables will be put up Saturday afternoon.

Several dozens of electoral colleges are still pending in far-off places, where the process will be concluded as soon as possible, added Silva.

He also explained there is coordination with the police corps and units deployed to counteract any breach of the peace although all indicates that the process will develop in a climate of peace.

Authorities assured the agenda will not change as it happened during the election campaign and warned no disorder will be allowed aimed to hinder the fulfilment of the right to vote.

The director of the National Electoral Council (CNE) Sandra Orbita recalled that regulations allow other peoples´ participation in votes counting if permitted by the the physical conditions of the place.

Regarding votes abroad the Venezuela Vice-foreign minister Vladimir Villegas assured the conditions are ready for voters abroad could exercise their right to vote.

As part of the final preparations, observers mission from the European Union (EU) will be deployed as well as from the Organization of American States (OAS) and the South Common Market (MERCOSUR), among other entities.

"Popular and revolutionary movements are getting stronger and despite Washington s expensive campaigns of disinformation, blackmail and brazen interference, new and experienced leaders are assuming the leadership of their nations," he assured.

For the Cuban leader, the US intention to economically annex Latin America via the Free Trade Agreement of Americas was thwarted while the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas proposed by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to benefit the dispossessed majorities is gaining ground.

The military parade presided over by Raul Castro at Havana s Revolution Square closed with a series of ceremonies to honor President Fidel Castro s 80th birthday.