International
Venezuela installs 99 % of machines for referendum drill

November 18 |
The National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela communicated this Friday that the Electoral Power has installed 99 percent of the electoral machines for the simulation of the consultative referendum in defense of the Essequibo, scheduled for this November 19.
The president of the National Electoral Council (CNE), Elvis Amoroso, informed that the decision of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) will be respected, in which it granted the injunction action filed to protect the right of Venezuelans to elect and protect with their vote the inalienable rights over the Essequibo Guayana.
Amoroso detailed that “80 percent of the electoral schedule presented to Venezuelan men and women has been complied with so far. Ninety-nine percent of the electoral machines have been installed for the simulation of the consultative referendum to be held on November 19”.
Likewise, he detailed that everything is ready for the fulfillment of 100 percent of the foreseen schedule, with guarantees of legal transparency, necessary for the development of the electoral process.
“All the necessary adjustments are being made so that all the Venezuelan people may participate and know everything related to this December 3 process to defend the Venezuelan Essequibo”, added the official.
Likewise, he referred that high technology is available and explained that electoral centers will be set up in all the municipalities of the country in order to familiarize people with the process of the Consultative Referendum for the Essequibo.
In this sense, the Electoral Power will travel all over the country and will meet with political organizations and unions in order to familiarize them with this electoral process.
The President of the National Electoral Council (CNE), Elvis Amoroso, also informed that they received the sentence of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ), which declares the amparo action in favor of the referendum introduced by the National Assembly of 2020 to be admissible.
Amoro declared that the request for protection of the consultative referendum of the Essequibo of December 3, an area in dispute with Guyana for more than 100 years, was admissible.
The TSJ ruled that “there will be no validity or legal effectiveness” in the national territory, decisions or acts carried out by persons or states that prevent or hinder the referendum to be held on December 3.
The judicial body assured that the measure was intended to protect the referendum from any foreign act or decision, while awaiting a resolution of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The TSJ summoned the Venezuelan institutions not to recognize these acts, in case they occur, and instead, ordered the CNE to continue with this process that has no binding character and does not enclose in itself an immediate change in the disputed territory of almost 160,000 square kilometers.
“To continue with the protection of the rights and interests of the Republic around this historic cause in the defense of the sovereign rights over the Essequiba Guiana, as well as its independence, freedom, sovereignty, territorial integrity and self-determination”, Amoros stressed.
By means of sentence 1470, the TSJ ordered the CNE to continue in its competences with the actions that guarantee the nationals the right of political participation, in the consultative referendum to be held on December 3, 2023.
The Supreme Court orders President Nicolás Maduro to “continue with the protection of the rights and interests of the Republic regarding this historic national cause in the defense of its sovereign right over the Essequiba Guyana”, in accordance with the provisions of Article 152 of the Magna Carta.
International
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston

Parades, baton twirlers, and a mix of Salvadoran and international music set the tone for the 20th edition of the Festival Salvadoreñísimo, held in Houston, Texas, with Tony Villatoro once again leading the organization.
This year, the highly anticipated event moved to a new venue: The Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, within the “space city.” Despite the scorching sun of the open-air setting, spirits remained high, and a brief drizzle later brought relief and renewed energy to the celebration.
More than 5,000 Salvadorans gathered at the park, joining with Guatemalans, Hondurans, and even Mexicans to commemorate 204 years of independence for El Salvador and Central America. The festival was marked by a family-friendly atmosphere, where traditional foods such as pupusas, panes con gallina, pastelitos, and horchata could not be missed.
“Twenty years with this festival, and I am very grateful to the Salvadoran community that always shows up. Thanks to them, the sponsors, and to Diario El Salvador for supporting us since the beginning,” said Tony Villatoro, as more compatriots continued arriving to the celebration.
“I am satisfied. I didn’t expect this level of attendance, especially since we were trying a new outdoor venue with some challenges, but we made it through successfully,” Villatoro added.
The Festival Salvadoreñísimo, now a two-decade-long tradition, once again took place as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when independence festivities run from mid-September through October.
International
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the National Reintegration Plan for Returned Salvadorans 2025-2029, a strategy designed to create greater opportunities, ensure access to quality services, and provide a favorable environment for Salvadorans returning to their home country to rebuild their lives.
The initiative is supported by the United Nations Network on Migration, coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), financed by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and backed by the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Migration Unit.
During the presentation, Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility Cindy Mariella Portal emphasized that migrants often face multiple challenges upon returning to their communities.
“That is why we are implementing actions that generate real and sustainable opportunities for these individuals,” she stated.
International
Authorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation

A man identified as the main financial operator of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was arrested Thursday at Mexico City’s international airport, authorities reported.
The individual, named by Mexican media as Óscar Antonio Álvarez, was apprehended during an operation involving the army, navy, National Guard, police, and the attorney general’s office, according to a joint statement.
Álvarez is considered the primary financial operator of a criminal group originating in Jalisco, and the capture took place at Benito Juárez Airport as he arrived on a flight from Barcelona, Spain.
Authorities stated that Álvarez faces charges of organized crime and money laundering, specifically for receiving and transferring illicit funds. His work with the CJNG reportedly included purchasing properties and managing businesses in the tequila and livestock sectors.
According to El Universal, Álvarez was directly under the command of Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho”, the cartel’s top leader, for whom the U.S. offers a $15 million reward.
The CJNG, which operates throughout Mexico and in various parts of the world, was designated earlier this year as a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. government.
Álvarez was handed over to the federal public prosecutor to determine his legal situation, the report added.
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