Venezuela holds simulated vote to test electronic system ahead of legislative elections

Venezuela holds mock vote ahead of elections

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela’s elections council has held a mock ballot to test the country’s electronic voting system ahead of legislative elections next month.

Authorities say they did not immediately detect any problems during the simulated vote Sunday using more than 4,000 touch-screen voting machines and biometric identification devices planned for the Sept. 26 election.

Some foes of President Hugo Chavez’s government have expressed concerns the system is susceptible to rigging, but most opposition parties have not raised questions. Election authorities deny tampering is a threat to the system.

Chavez’s allies have an unbeatable majority in the unicameral assembly because most opposition parties boycotted the last legislative elections in 2005.