Top electoral body: Referendum on presidential reelection may be held in February

By: Samir J. Jiménez P. - A previous, similar referendum was held in December 2007 and refused by most Venezuelans - Vice-President of CNE Janeth Hernández said the body should get ready to accelerate the request made by President Hugo Chávez for a new referendum on the constitutional reform (Photo: Kisai Mendoza) - Amendment for presidential reelection "must be completed" in February - Vice-President of the National Electoral Council (CNE) Janeth Hernández estimated on Tuesday that the consultation on presidential indefinite reelection may be made at the end of February 2009.The director explained that the CNE is still in the process of election, because they are within the 20-day term to receive and hear any requests for challenges and make some remarks about the local election of last November 23rd. However, the CNE should get ready to accelerate the request made by President Hugo Chávez for a new referendum on the constitutional reform.A previous, similar referendum was held in December 2007 and refused by most Venezuelans.In order to implement the referendum, 15 percent of the signatures of the people enrolled in the registry of voters, that is, 2,500,000 signatures; should be submitted to the CNE. http://english. eluniversal. com/2008/ 12/02/en_ pol_esp_top- electoral- body:_02A2154167 .shtml