Venezuela opposition sticks to primary election date after delay request

Jesus Maria Casal, president of Venezuela's opposition's National Primary Commission, leaves after a meeting with Elvis Hidrobo Amoroso, head of Venezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE), in Caracas, Venezuela September 25, 2023. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/File Photo

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's opposition elections commission on Monday said it would move forward with its Oct. 22 date to elect a candidate to stand against the ruling party in next year's presidential vote, after the national electoral council requested a delay.

The National Electoral Council (CNE) last month responded to a June request to assist the opposition's primary elections, saying it could provide assistance such as voting centers and machines if he date was postponed to Nov. 19 to confirm details.