DAS DESHAZO'S MEETING WITH CNE PRESIDENT

C O N F I D E N T I A L CARACAS 000291 SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/AND NSC FOR CBARTON USCINCSO FOR POLAD USAID DCHA/OTI FOR RUSSELL PORTER E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/23/2014 TAGS: PGOV PREL VE SUBJECT: DAS DESHAZO'S MEETING WITH CNE PRESIDENT Classified By: Ambassador Charles S. Shapiro for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) . -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (C) WHA DAS Peter DeShazo and the Ambassador discussed the verification process for the recall referendum with National Electoral Council (CNE) President Francisco Carrasquero and CNE Secretary General William Pacheco January 22. Carrasquero assured DeShazo that the process is on track to be completed on or about February 15. He described additional resources and guarantees of support the CNE has received from the GOV. Carrasquero dismissed allegations of "mega-fraud". He clarified several procedural details and outlined a timeline for the steps necessary to the verification process. He dismissed concerns about delays and the CNE's ability to maintain its autonomy. He expressed appreciation for international support and emphasized his belief that things will continue to go well. End summary. -------------- NO REASON FOR CONCERN -------------- ¶2. (C) Deputy Assistant Secretary DeShazo, Ambassador, DCM, and econoff spoke with National Electoral Council (CNE) President Francisco Carrasquero and CNE Secretary General William Pacheco about the referendum signature verification process on January 22. DeShazo opened the conversation by noting that all international eyes are upon Venezuela and that the center of attention is the CNE, stressing the historic importance that the CNE's management of the verification process--and beyond-- will have. Carrasquero assured DeShazo and the Ambassador that the CNE would be able to complete the verification process by the constitutionally mandated deadline of February 15. He said the GOV had offered more staff and computers, as well as a guarantee from Vice President Rangel of credits for the purchase of equipment. The CNE now has three teams working 24 hours every day on the verification of signatures. Carrasquero also noted that VP Rangel had visited him that day (note: as Rangel had told DeShazo he would) and had stated publicly that the GOV would respect whatever decision the CNE made. ¶3. (C) Carrasquero was not worried by recent criticism of the CNE or by accusations of deliberate delays, but he did express concern that certain sectors of society would not respect the CNE's final decision. He insisted the institution would maintain its independence and continue to work in a calm and transparent manner. Carrasquero agreed with DeShazo's positive assessment of the international observers' role in maintaining transparency. Although the teams had found a "normal" number of errors, Carrasquero said there was no sign yet of fraud. He deemed it too early to make a meaningful determination on the issue. -------------- TIMING AND TECHNICAL DETAILS -------------- ¶4. (C) DeShazo questioned Carrasquero on the details and timing of several steps integral to the verification process. Carrasquero confirmed that CNE teams were engaged in the separate processes of physically verifying the tally sheets/certifications ("actas") and the signature sheets ("planillas"). Once the physical verification is complete, the quality control process of cross-checking rejected signatures with existing electoral data can begin. Carrasquero said the CNE would publish a list of rejected signatures and a list of valid signatures in the national press for review by the public. He explained that citizens would have a period of five days to dispute their inclusion on either list and could do so at regional CNE offices. According to Carrasquero, the dispute period will occur before February 13 when the final verification report will be submitted to CNE board. The board will have two days to approve the report. Carrasquero assured DeShazo that the board would make a definitive decision and publish the results of the signature drive in the electoral gazette on February 15. ¶5. (C) CNE Secretary General William Pacheco told DeShazo that each subject and author of a particular recall effort would have the opportunity to audit the process. He explained that either party could ask for copies of relevant certification sheets and signature sheets to be certain that CNE teams were operating with unaltered information. Pacheco said copies of signature sheets had already been delivered to several National Assembly members up for recall. -------------- AFTER FEBRUARY 15... -------------- ¶6. (C) Carrasquero noted that the CNE's final decision on the verification process would be open to Supreme Court challenges for an unspecified time period after its announcement. Also, he and Pacheco guaranteed the CNE's technical ability to mount the various referenda within the legal time-frame if warranted by the results of the verification process. Carrasquero told DAS DeShazo the board had already consulted with Spanish company, INDRA, about the technical requirements. DeShazo congratulated Carrasquero on his work so far and reiterated the USG's support for a democratic, constitutional, electoral, and peaceful solution to Venezuela's political crisis. ¶7. (C) The Ambassador asked Carrasquero about President Chavez' allegations of "mega-fraud". Carrasquero said that the CNE hadn't finished its work, but that there was no mega-fraud. He pointedly repeated his December 2002 public statement to the effect that the President's views on the validity of votes was not important in the CNE's autonomous verification process. DeShazo praised Carrasquero's commitment to resisting political pressure, and emphasized the importance of institutional independence and transparency for the CNE's eventual decision to be seen as legitimate. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶8. (C) Carrasquero was upbeat and cordial. As critics on both sides of the political spectrum currently beset the CNE, it behooves Carrasquero not to display any uncertainty about its capabilities. However, the presidential recall referendum is a process of unprecedented technical and political complexity. Despite Carrasquero's confident insistence that the CNE will meet its February 13th deadline, the date could slip. Between those in the CNE who may attempt to slow the process, and the technical difficulties imposed by the scope of work, delays will be hard to avoid. ¶9. (U) DAS DeShazo reviewed this message. SHAPIRO NNNN