Venezuelans Pick Local Projects in Countrywide Election

Caracas, April 22, 2024 (venezuelanalysis.com) – Venezuelan voters headed to the polls on Sunday to take part in the so-called National Popular Consultation.

The election saw people in 4,500 communal circuits across the country choose local projects to be funded by the Venezuelan state. According to reports, the Nicolás Maduro government has assigned a total budget of US $45 million, or $10,000 per initiative. In a Monday broadcast, the Venezuelan president floated the possibility of holding consultations on a regular basis.

The project options mostly focused on infrastructure and public service repairs or improvements, as well as support for productive endeavors. The results will be published on the SINCO platform run by the Ministry of Communes.

In El Panal Commune in barrio 23 de Enero, Caracas, the winning option was the purchase of an ambulance to boost local healthcare services. In several communes, including 5 de Marzo in Caracas and Vencedores de Carorita in Lara state, residents voted for improving water supply infrastructure.

The vote counted on logistical support from the National Electoral Council (CNE) but not on automatic voting machines and the electoral roll. Additionally, under Venezuela’s popular power legislation, citizens aged over 15 could participate.

Venezuelan authorities did not provide turnout figures. In several communes consulted by Venezuelanalysis, or which broadcast results on social media, participation ranged between 25 and 45 percent.

Minister of Communes Guy Vernáez highlighted the protagonism of grassroots organizations and spokespeople in yesterday’s event. He also thanked international activists who accompanied the vote in different electoral centers.