CARACAS, Tuesday November 21, 2006 | Update
Single opposition presidential candidate Manuel Rosales urged
his rival President Hugo Chávez not to "try to reinvent
the wheel," adding that he is willing to "respect the people's
will," provided that the rules of the game are not changed
at the last minute and that "fair play" prevails.
"There will be no fraud because we will not let it happen!
There will be one defeat only and one victory only!"
Rosales offered a news conference Monday afternoon and warned
Chávez, who is running for re-election in next December
3rd presidential vote, "I will accept neither the adjournment
of the election nor a self-coup or maneuvers. On December
3rd, we are going to vote."
"Every single important pollster has reported we have an
apparent lead over the other candidate. It is true, we are
winning." Over the weekend, Rosales claimed he and his competitor
were in a "technical tie."
02:57 PM. HEAVY RAINS. Venezuelan Executive Vice-President Elias Jaua reported that the government is designing plans to support farmers, cattlemen and peasants of the state of Mérida who have been hit by heavy rains that have caused crop losses.