(El Universal) - "President of the National Electoral Council (CNE) Tibisay Lucena stressed that the body is ready to conduct a referendum on the changes to the Constitution proposed by Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez.

'Preparations for a likely referendum are excellent because the National Electoral Council's activity has been so intensive we are ready now. We have conducted three municipal elections and have provided support for the organization of an emerging party (President Hugo Chávez' United Socialist Party of Venezuela). Therefore, our electoral engines are always in optimal conditions.'

Regarding petitions to vote the proposed changes to the Constitution article by article, Lucena told TV channel VTV that CNE is not to construe the Constitution. 'What we have to do is complete the preparations to conduct the referendum within 30 days' following approval by the National Assembly".