Pro-Chavez forces predict president's victory in recall vote

Venezuelan Communications and Information Minister of Venezuela Jesse Chacon Sunday hinted at the victory of President Hugo Chavez in the ongoing recall referendum.

Chacon, leader of the Maisanta Command which promotes the continuity of Chavez's presidency, affirmed he felt "very comfortable" about the possible results of the popular

consultation of Sunday.

The three US companies doing opinion polls outside the voting centers for Maisanta Command have ratified that the projection is reasonable, Chacon said in reference to the advantage the president has over the opposition.

The minister said he would not give any figures in order not to violate the regulations of the National Electoral Council which ban the disclosing of extra-official results.

According to the official, a level of absenteeism standing at 20 percent would favor Chavez, because that has been one of the traditional characteristics of the most affected sectors in society.

Chacon said if the poorest individuals have gone to vote, in principle, that would represent more votes for Chavez, because the president has his greatest support among them.

Some 14 million Venezuelans on Sunday are to decide if Chavez continues in Office until January 2007, or if his mandate is immediately revoked.

The opposition needs to surpass the 3.7 million votes the president received in July 2000 when he was elected as head of State of Venezuela. He has been in office since February 2, 1999.

Source: Xinhua