00:00And as we were reporting, the Second National Popular Consultation of 2026 is underway in Venezuela,
00:06with more than 48,000 communal councils deciding on community projects.
00:11From the Antonio José de Sucre commune in Petare, our correspondent, Denise Arabi, has more details.
00:17Hello, yes. Voting has just started in the Second National Popular Consultation,
00:22an exercise that seeks to strengthen popular democracy, one of the key aspects of the Bolivarian Revolution.
00:27Today, presidents in over 48,000 communal councils across the country will choose the community projects
00:34that will receive government funding through the federal government council.
00:38More than 37,000 projects have been submitted nationwide,
00:43with a focus on improving local conditions and address community needs.
00:47Projects are chosen in previous assemblies at the different communal councils.
00:51For example, we are right now at the Antonio José de Sucre commune in Petare,
00:57one of the biggest neighbourhoods in the country.
00:59Here, six projects are being submitted to the popular vote.
01:03Among them, several are seeking the enhancement of streets and public spaces,
01:08and technical assistance in the health and social services sector.
01:13This is a direct democracy exercise that empowers the people to work in their communities,
01:18strengthening unity and promoting local development.
01:21It is frameworked in the seven transformation programs promoted by the Bolivarian government
01:26to push forward all branches of government together with the communities and the popular power.
01:33Over 11,000 polling centers have been set up,
01:36and more than 12,000 polling stations have been installed for this day.
01:41That is just starting.
01:42This is all for the moment, but we will be touring them around the state
01:46to show how this process is unfolding.
01:48We will go back to you now.
