Electoral authority announces closing of voting stations

Director of the National Electoral Council (CNE) Sandra Oblitas said that Sunday state election was held successfully and in calm, adding that "once again both the electoral system and the democratic nature (of the Venezuelan people) have been tested."

Oblitas said that balloting centers had to end operations at 6 pm, except where voters were still waiting in line to cast their ballot. She explained that upon closing of all voting centers, the results would be transmitted to the headquarters of CNE.

The electoral authority recalled that CNE would issue a first report when there is an irreversible trend in results. "For sure, it will be issued in the coming hours," she said.

Oblitas stressed that political actors and voters should refrain from announcing results before the first official report.