http://www.vheadline.com/readnews.asp?id=22444

Published: Monday, August 16, 2004
Bylined to: Roy S. Carson

Carter and international observers at the CNE to confirm Chavez victory


Oas Secretary General Cesar Gaviria

A meeting has been taking place between directors of the National Elections Council (CNE and the Carter Center with the participation of Organization of American States (OAS) and international observers.

With the notable exception of OAS Secretary General, former Colombian president Cesar Gaviria, the observer corps has expressed satisfaction with the recall referendum results despite a procedural objections lodged by two opposition CNE directors emphasizing that although +94% of the votes have already been counted, the official statement of results is only preliminary at this stage.

OAS Secretary General Cesar Gaviria is very obviously upset by Chavez Frias' overwhelming victory but former US president Jimmy Carter has already said that for his part he's satisfied that the preliminary result has been issued "in complete conformity with established rules" ... in fact Carter has chided Gaviria for not taking aboard the results which everyone else is accepting as unimpeachable and an example of the participation and democratic maturity of the Venezuelan people.

No one is denying that the preliminary percentages in favor of President Hugo Chavez Frias could indeed vary as the remaining 5% of votes come in, but it is seen as highly unlikely that they will pose any significant threat to Chavez Frias' declared victory in Sunday's poll.