ABSTRACT
The state body responsible for the administration of elections in Venezuela was the Supreme Electoral Council, Consejo Supremo Electoral (CSE). A number of Latin American countries sent delegations to the CSE for the training of their own electoral staff, particularly in the field of electoral register compilation. The role of the electoral administration transformed significantly over time, with responsibilities altering as a result of changes in the political regime. The CSE was responsible for creating and designating electoral constituencies. The CSE had responsibility for regulating electoral propaganda. The 'media' responsibilities of the CSE extended to the regulation of election reporting. The operating practices of the CSE were subject to heavy criticism from minor parties and independent commentators after the electoral reform process in 1989. The CSE is an interesting case study in the erosion of institutional capacity in Venezuela. The organisational history of the CSE mirrored the trends of clientelism, corruption and bureaucratisation in the national administration, military and judiciary.
