(30 Nov 2003)
1. National Guard soldiers protecting motorcade of Secretary General of the OAS, Cesar Gaviria, at National Elections Council (NEC), shooting in the background
2. OAS SG Gaviria entering car
3. Secretary Gaviria at NEC, about to give press conference
4. Gaviria sitting down at presser
5. Cutaway of press
6. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Cesar Gaviria, Secretary General of the Organisation of American States:
"Most centers opened earlier than yesterday, there were no reports on shortage of signatures cards, and some complaints were processed by the NEC. During our mission we have found that there has been a quick and diligent response (by NEC) to the problems."
7. Set up shot of Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel at press conference
8. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Jose Ragel, Vice-President of Venezuela:
"The President would remain as President during the referendum, and he is not recalled, he has the right to a second term; and if he loses the referendum, we must wait for the decision of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, as to whether he can, or can not, become a candidate yet again."
9. Two cuts of Rangel
10. Cut of press
11. Vice President Rangel greeting reporters
12. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Jose Ragel, Vice-President of Venezuela:
"We consider it an important democratic action, and will not affect our estimates. We believe they will not collect enough signatures, we are convinced of it."
13. Supporters of President Chavez at local market
14. Table collecting signatures
15. Soldiers unloading food bags at local market
16. Vendors at work
17. Walking shot of locals at the market
18. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Manuel Cova, Secretary General, Central Union Workers of Venezuela (CTV):
"The referendum process is irreversible. There is no human power of any kind that could stop this process. The signature recollection already looks unstoppable."
19. Two shots of people waiting in line
20. Woman selling newspapers
STORYLINE:
Venezuelan authorities said on Saturday an opposition petition drive for a recall referendum on President Hugo Chavez's rule was going smoothly despite isolated acts of violence.
National Guard soldiers fired tear gas outside the headquarters of the National Electoral Council after some people threw fireworks at the building while Cesar Gaviria, Secretary General of the Organisation of American States, was inside. Gavira is overseeing the political process.
In the western state of Falcon, two grenades exploded at the headquarters of an opposition political party and the house of an opposition politician, without injuring anyone.
Two other explosive devices were deactivated nearby.
Turnout for the signature drive was buoyant on Saturday but notably down from Friday's show of boisterous support, when Venezuelans waved flags and honked car horns to celebrate.
The opposition needs to collect 2.4 (m) million signatures before the four-day drive ends on Monday.
If successful, the National Electoral Council will schedule a vote on Chavez's rule next year.
Both government and opposition accused the other of cheating during the petition drive.
Other opposition leaders complained that some of the 60,000 soldiers stationed at the 3,000 signature tables nationwide were obstructing the process and had seized petitions.
The situation marks a change from recent political crises in Venezuela that include a failed coup last year and a two-month strike early this year.
Chavez's opponents say he has divided the country along class lines and accuse him of incompetent governance.
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