Constitution of the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela
(in English translation from the original le= gal text)

NATIONAL CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY

PREAMBLE

The people of Venezuela, exercising their powers of creation and invoking the protection of God, the historic example of our Liberator Simon Bolivar and = the heroism and sacrifice of our aboriginal ancestors and the forerunners and founders of a free and sovereign nation; to the supreme end of reshaping th= e Republic to establish a democratic, participatory and self-reliant, multiethnic and multicultural society in a just, federal and decentralized State that embod= ies the values of freedom, independence, peace, solidarity, the common good, the nation's territorial integrity, comity and the rule of law for this and fut= ure generations; guarantees the right to life, work, learning, education, social justice and equality, without discrimination or subordination of any kind; promotes peaceful cooperation among nations and furthers and strengthens La= tin American integration in accordance with the principle of nonintervention and national self-determination of the people, the universal and indivisible guarantee of human rights, the democratization of imitational society, nucl= ear disarmament, ecological balance and environmental resources as the common a= nd inalienable heritage of humanity; exercising their innate power through the= ir representatives comprising the National Constituent Assembly, by their free= ly cast vote and in a democratic Referendum, hereby ordain the following:

CONSTITUTION

TITLE 1

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

Article 1: The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is irrevocably free and independent, basing its moral property and values of freedom, equality, justice and international peace on the doctrine of Simon Bolivar, the Liberator. Independence, liberty, sovereignty, immunity, territorial integrity and national self-determination are unrenounceable = rights of the Nation.

Article 2: Venezuela constitutes itself as a Democratic and Social State of Law and Justice, which holds as superior values of its legal order and actions thos= e of life, liberty, justice, equality, solidarity, democracy, social responsibil= ity and, in general, the preeminence of human rights, ethics and political pluralism.

Article 3: The essential purposes of the State are the protection and development of t= he individual and respect for the dignity of the individual, the democratic exercise of the will of the people, the building of a just and peace loving society, the furtherance of the prosperity and welfare of the people and the guaranteeing of the Fulfillment of the principles, rights and duties established in this Constitution. Education and work are the fundamental processes for guaranteeing these purposes.

Article 4: The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is a decentralized Federal State on the terms set forth in this Constitution, governed by the principles of territo= rial integrity, cooperation, solidarity, attendance and shared responsibility. <= o:p>

Article 5: Sovereignty resides untransferable in the peopl= e, who exercise it directly in the manner provided for in this Constitution and in= the law, and indirectly, by suffrage, through the organs exercising Public Powe= r. The organs of the State emanate from and are subject to the sovereignty of = the people.

Article 6: The government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and of the political organs comprising the same, is and shall always = be democratic, participatory, elective, decentralized, alternative, responsible and pluralist, with revocable mandates.

Article 7: The Constitution is the supreme law and foundation of the legal order. All persons and organs exercising Public Power are subject to this Constitution= .

Article 8: The national flag with its yellow, blue and red stripes, the National Anthem "Gloria al bravo pueblo" (Glory to the Brave People), and the coa= t of arms of the Republic are the symbols of the native land. Law shall regulate their characteristics, meaning and use.

Article 9: Spanish is the official language. The use of native languages also has offi= cial status for native peoples, and must be respected throughout the territory of the Republic, as constituting part of the cultural heritage of the Nation a= nd humanity.

TITLE II

GEOGRAPHICAL SPACES AND POLITICAL DIVISION

Chapter I

Territory and Other Geographical Spaces

Article 10: The territory and other geographical spaces of the Republic are those which belonged to the Captaincy-General of Venezuela before the political transfo= rmation begun on April 19, 1810, as amended by virtue of the treaties and arbitrati= on awards which have not been vitiated with nullity.

Article 11: The full sovereignty of the Republic is exercised on the continental, and insul= ar spaces, lake and river spaces, territorial sea, historic, vital and inland = sea areas, and those lying within such straight baselines as have been adopted = or may come to be adopted by the Republic; seabed and under the seabed of the aforementioned; the continental, insular and maritime air space and the resources located within the aforementioned spaces, including genetic resources, migratory species, derived products and any intangible components that may be present within the aforementioned spaces because of natural cau= ses. The insular space of the Republic includes the Archipelago of Los Monjes, Las Aves, Los Roques, La Orchila, La Tortuga, La Blanquil= la, Los Hermanos, islands of Margarita, Cubagua and Coche, Los Frailes, La Sola Island, Los Tes= tigos Archipelago, Patos Island and Aves Island, as w= ell as the islands, islets, keys and banks located or coming in the future to emer= ge from the territorial sea, that covering the continental shelf or that lying within the limits of the exclusive economic zone. As to the water spaces co= nsisting of the contiguous maritime zone, the continental sheaf and the exclusive economic zone, the Republic exercises exclusive rights of sovereignty and jurisdiction on such terms, to such extent and subject to such conditions as may be determined by public international law and national law. The Republic has rights in outer space and in those areas which are or may be the Common Property of Humanity, on such terms, to such extent and subject to such conditions as may be determined by public international agreements and by t= he national legislation.

Article 12: Mineral and hydrocarbon deposits of any nature that exist within the territ= ory of the nation, beneath the territorial sea bed, within the exclusive econom= ic zone and on the continental shelf, are the property of the Republic, are of public domain, and therefore inalienable and not transferable. The seacoasts are public domain property.

Article 13: The territory shall never be assigned, transferred, leased or in any manner whatsoever conveyed, even temporarily or partially, to foreign States or ot= her international law subjects. The geographical space of Venezuela is an area = of peace. No foreign military bases or facilities having purposes that are in = any way military shall be established within such space by any power or coaliti= on of powers. Foreign States or other international law subjects shall be permitted to acquire real property only for the quarters of their diplomati= c or consular delegations, within such area as may be determined and subject to guarantees of reciprocity, with such limitations as may be established by l= aw. In all such cases, national sovereignty shall remain intact. There shall be= no conveyance of title to vacant land existing within the federal dependencies= and on islands in rivers and lakes, and the right to use the same shall be gran= ted only in a manner that does not involve, directly or indirectly, the transfe= r of title to the land.

Article 14: The law shall establish a special legal regime for those territories which,= by the freely adopted decision of their inhabitants and with the approval of t= he National Assembly, come to be incorporated into the territory of the Republ= ic.

Article 15: The State is responsible for establishing an overall policy in land, insular and maritime border areas, preserving the territorial integrity, sovereignt= y, security, defense, national identity, diversity and environment in accordan= ce with cultural, economic and social development and integration. Taking into account the inherent nature of each border region through special financial allocations, an Organic Law on Borders shall determine the obligations and objectives comprising this responsibility.

Chapter 11

Political Division

Article 16: For purposes of the political organization of the Republic, the territory of the nation is divided into those of the States, the Capital District, feder= al dependencies and federal territories. The territory is organized into Municipalities. The political division of the territory shall be regulated = by an organic law which shall guarantee municipal autonomy and administrative/political decentralization. Such law may provide for the creation of federal territorial in certain areas within the States, the tak= ing effect of which shall be subject to the holding of a referendum to approve = the same in the organ concerned. By special law, a federal territory may be giv= en the status of a State; being allocated part or all of the territorial area concerned.

Article 17: Federal dependencies are the maritime islands which are not incorporated into the territory of a State, as well as any island that may form or appear in the territorial sea or that covering the continental sheaf. Their regime and administration shall be provided by law.

Article 18: The city of Caracas is the capital of the Republic and the seat of the orga= ns of National Power. The provisions of this article shall not prevent the exercise of National Power elsewhere in the Republic. A special law shall establish the territorial and political unit of the city of Caracas, incorporating into a two-tier system of municipal government the Municipali= ties of the Capital District and those of the State of Miranda. Such law shall provide for the organization, government, administration, competency as wel= l as resources of the city, with a view to its harmonious overall development. In any case the law shall guarantee the democratic and participative character= of its government.

TITLE III

DUTIES, HUMAN RIGHTS AND GUARANTEES

Chapter 1

General Provisions

Article 19: The State shall guarantee to every individual, in accordance with the progressive principle and without discrimination of any kind, no renounceable, indivisible and interdependent enjoym= ent and exercise of human rights. Respect for and the guaranteeing of these rig= hts is obligatory for the organs of Public Power, in accordance with the Constitution, the human rights treaties signed and ratified by the Republic= and any laws developing the same.

Article 20: Everyone has the right to the free development of his or her own personalit= y, subject only to the limitations deriving from the rights of others and publ= ic and social order.

Article 21: Al persons are equal before the law, and, consequently: <= /p>

1. No discrimination based on race, sex, creed or social standing shall be permitted, nor, in general, any discrimination with the intent or effect of nullifying or encroaching upon the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on e= qual terms, of the rights and liberties of every individual. <= /p>

2. The law shall guarantee legal and administrative conditions such as to make equality before the law real and effective manner; shall adopt affirmative measures for the benefit of any group that is discriminated against, margin= alized or vulnerable; shall protect in particular those persons who, because of an= y of the aforementioned circumstances, are in a manifestly weak position; and sh= all punish those who abuse or mistreat such persons.

3. People will only be officially addressed as Citizens, except for diplomatic forms.

4. No titles of nobility or hereditary distinctions shall be recognized. =

Article 22: The recitation of rights and guarantees contained in this Constitution and = in international instruments concerning human rights are not to be understood = as negating others inherent to individuals, not expressly mentioned in such recitation. The absence of a law regulating these rights shall not adversely affect the exercise thereof.

Article 23: The treaties, pacts and conventions relating human rights which have been executed and ratified by Venezuela have a constitutional rank, and prevail = over internal legislation, insofar as they contain provisions concerning the enjoyment and exercise of such rights that are more favorable than those established by this Constitution and the laws of the Republic, and shall be immediately and directly applied by the courts and other organs of the Publ= ic Power.

Article 24: No legislative provision shall have retroactive effect, except where it imp= oses a lesser penalty. Procedural laws shall apply from the moment they go into effect, even to proceedings already in progress; however, in criminal proceedings, evidence already admitted shall be weighed in accordance with = the laws that were in effect when the evidence was admitted, insofar as this benefits the defendant. When there are doubts as to the rule of law that is= to be applied, the most beneficial to the defendant will prevail. <= /span>

Article 25: Any act on the part of the Public Power that violates or encroaches upon the rights guaranteed by this Constitution and by law is null and void, and the public employees* ordering or implementing the same shall incur criminal, c= ivil and administrative liability, as applicable in each case, with no defense on grounds of having followed the orders of a superior.

Article 26: Everyone has the right to access the organs comprising the justice system f= or the purpose of enforcing his or her rights and interests, including those o= f a collective or diffuse nature to the effective protection of the aforementio= ned and to obtain the corresponding prompt decision. The State guarantees justi= ce that is free of charge, accessible, impartial, suitable, transparent, autonomous, independent, responsible, equitable and expeditious, without un= due delays, superfluous formalities or useless reinstating. <= /p>

Article 27: Everyone has the right to be protected by the courts in the enjoyment and exercise of constitutional rights and guarantees, including even those inhe= rent individual rights not expressly mentioned in this Constitution or in international instruments concerning human rights. Proceedings on a claim f= or constitutional protection shall be oral, public, brief, free of charge and unencumbered by formalities, and the competent judge shall ha= ve the power to restore immediately the legal situation infringed upon or the closest possible equivalent thereto. All time shall be available for the holding of such proceedings, and the court shall give constitutional claims priority over any other matters. The action for the protection of lib= erty or safety, may be exercised by any person and the physical custody of the person of the detainee* shall be transferred immediately to the court, with= out delay. The exercise of this right shall not be affected in any way by the declaration of a state of exception or restriction of constitutional guarantees.

Article 28: Anyone has the right of access to the information and data concerning him or her or his or her goods which are contained in official or private records, with such exceptions as may be established by law, as well as what use is b= eing made of the same and the purpose thereof, and to petition the court of competent competence for the updating, correction or destruction of any rec= ords that are erroneous or unlawfully 'affect the petitioner's right. He or she = may, as well, access documents of any nature containing information of interest = to communities or group of persons. The foregoing is without prejudice to the confidentiality of sources from which information is received by journalist= , or secrecy in other professions as may be determined by law.

Article 29: The State is obliged to investigate and legally punish offenses against hum= an rights committed by its authorities. Actions to punish the offense of viola= ting humanity rights, serious violations of human rights and war crimes shall no= t be subject to statute of limitation. Human rights violations and the offense of violating humanity rights shall be investigated and adjudicated by the cour= ts of ordinary competence. These offenses are excluded from any benefit that m= ight render the offenders immune from punishment, including pardons and amnesty.=

Article 30: The State has the obligation to make full reparations to the victims of hum= an rights violations for which it may be held responsible,= and to the legal successors to such victims, including payment of damages. = The State shall adopt the necessary legislative measures and measures of other nature to implement the reparations and damage compensation provided for un= der this article. The State shall protect the victims of ordinary crimes and endeavor to make the guilty parties provide reparations for the inflicted damages.

Article 31: Everyone has the right, on the terms established by the human rights treati= es, pacts and conventions ratified by the Republic, to address petitions and complaints to the intentional organs created for such purpose, in order to = ask for protection of his or her human rights. The State shall adopt, in accord= ance with the procedures established under this Constitution and by the law, such measures as may be necessary to enforce the decisions emanating from international organs as provided for under this article. =

Chapter II

Nationality and Citizenship

Section One: Nationality

Article 32: Are Venezuelans* by birth:

(1) Any person who was born within the territory of the Republic.

(2) Any person who was born in a foreign territory, and is the child of a father and mother who are both Venezuelans by birth.

(3) Any person who was born in a foreign territory, and is the child of a fathe= r or a mother, who is Venezuelan by birth, provided they have established reside= nce within the territory of the Republic or declared their intention to obtain = the Venezuelan nationality.

(4) Any person who was born in a foreign territory, and is the child of a fathe= r or a mother who is Venezuelan by naturalization, provided that prior to reachi= ng the age of 18, they establish their residence within the territory of the Republic, and before reaching the age of 25 declare their intention to obta= in the Venezuelan nationality.

Article 33: Are considered Venezuelans* by naturalization:

(1) Foreign nationals* who obtain a naturalization letter. In order to do so, t= hey must have at least ten years of uninterrupted residence immediately precedi= ng the application date.

(2) The period of residence shall be reduced to five years in the case of forei= gn nationals whose original nationality is that of Spain, Portugal, Italy, or a Latin American or Caribbean country.

(3) Foreign nationals* who marry a Venezuelan*, upon declaring their wish to ad= opt the Venezuelan nationality, which may be done at least five years after the date of marriage.

(4) Minors of foreign nationality, on the date of the naturalization of one of his/her parent who exercises parental authority, provided that such minor declares his or her intention of adopting the Venezuelan nationality before reaching the age of 21, and has resided in Venezuela without interruption throughout the five-year period preceding such declaration.

Article 34: The Venezuelan nationality is not lost upon electing or acquiring another nationality.

Article 35: Venezuelans* by birth cannot be deprived of their nationality. The Venezuel= an nationality by naturalization can be revoked only by a judgment handed down= by a court in accordance with law.

Article 36: Venezuelan nationality may be renounced. A person who renounces the Venezue= lan nationality by birth may regain such nationality if he or she establishes a residence within the territory of the Republic for a period of at least two years, and expresses the intention of regaining the Venezuelan nationality. Naturalized Venezuelans* who renounce the Venezuelan nationality may regain= it by again meeting the requirements prescribed under article 33 of this Constitution.

Article 37: The State shall promote the celebration of international treaties related to nationality, especially with the bordering countries and those indicated in item 2 of Article 33 of this Constitution.

Article 38: The substantive and procedural rules relating to the acquisition, election, renunciation and recovery of the Venezuelan nationality, as well as the revocation and withdrawal of naturalization, shall be determined by law, in compliance with the foregoing provisions.

Section Two: Citizenship

Article 39: Venezuelans* who are not subject to political disablement or civil interdiction, and meet the age requirements provided for in this Constitution, can exercise citizenship and therefore are entitled to political rights and duties in accordance to this Constitution.

Article 40: Political rights are reserved to those who are Venezuelans*, with the exceptions established in this Constitution. Naturalized Venezuelans who ha= ve entered the country prior to reaching the age of seven years and have resid= ed permanently in Venezuela until reaching legal age shall enjoy the same righ= ts as Venezuelans by birth.

Article 41: Only Venezuelans* by birth who have no other nationality shall be permitted= to hold the offices of President* of the Republic, Executive Vice President, Chairman* and Vice-Chairman* of the National Assembly, Justices* of the Sup= reme Tribunal of Justice, Chairman* of the National Board of Elections, Attorney General of the Republic, Comptroller General* of the Republic, General Prosecutor* of the Republic, People Defender*, Ministers* with responsibili= ties relating to national security, finance, energy and mining or education; Gov= ernors* and Mayors* of border States and Municipalities and those contemplated under the Organic Law on the National Armed Forces. In order to hold the position= of member* of the National Assembly, Minister* or Governors* and Mayors* of non-border States and Municipalities, naturalized Venezuelans must be domic= iled in Venezuela with at least fifteen years of permanent residence, as well as meeting the capability requirements provided for by law. =

Article 42: Anyone who loses or renounces to nationality loses citizenship. The exercis= e of citizenship or any political rights can be suspended only by final judicial decision in the cases provided by law.

Article 43: The right to life is inviolable. No law shall provide for the death penalty= and no authority shall apply the same. The State shall protect the life of pers= ons who are deprived of liberty, serving in the armed forces or civilian servic= es, or otherwise subject to its authority.

Article 44: Personal liberty is inviolable, therefore:

(1) No person shall be arrested or detained except by virtue of a court order, unless such person is caught in fraganti. In the latter case, such person must be brought before a judge within forty-eight hours of his or her arrest. He or she shall remain* free during trial, exce= pt for reasons determined by law and assessed by the judge on a case-by case basis.

(2) The bail as required by law for the release of a detainee shall not be subj= ect to tax of any kind.

(3) Any person under arrest has the right to communicate immediately with membe= rs of his or her family, an attorney* or any other person in whom he or she reposes trust, and such persons in turn have the right to be informed where= the detainee is being held, to be notified immediately of the reasons for the arrest and to have a written record inserted into the case file concerning = the physical or mental condition of the detainee, either by himself or herself,= or with the aid of specialists. The competent authorities shall keep a public record of every arrest made, including the identity of the person arrested,= the place, time, circumstances and the officers who made the arrest.

(4) In the case of the arrest of foreign nationals, (male or female), applicable provisions of international treaties concerning consular notification shall also be observed.

(5) The penalty shall not extend beyond the person of the convicted individual.= No one shall be sentenced to perpetual or humiliating penalties. Penalties consisting of deprivation of liberty shall not exceed 30 years. =

(6) Any authority taking measures involving the deprivation of liberty must identify himself or herself. <= /p>

(7) No person shall remain under arrest after a release order has been issued by the competent authority or such person's sentence has been served.

Article 45: The public authorities, whether military, civilian or of any other kind, even during a state of emergency, exception or restriction or guarantees, are prohibited from effecting, permitting or tolerating the forced disappearanc= e of persons. An officer* receiving an order or instruction to carry it out, has= the obligation not to obey, and to report the order or instruction to the compe= tent authorities. The intellectual and physical perpetrators* accomplices and concealers* of the crimes of forced disappearance of a person, as well as any attempt to commit such offense, shall be punished in accordance with law.

Article 46: Everyone is entitled to respect for his or her physical, mental and moral integrity, therefore:

(1) No person shall be subjected to penalties, tortures, cruelty, inhuman or degrading treatment. Every victim of torture or cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment effected or tolerated by agents of the State has the right to rehabilitation.

(2) Any person deprived of liberty shall be treated with respect due to the inherent dignity of the human being.

(3) No person shall be subjected without his or her freely given consent to scientific experiments or medical or laboratory examinations, except when s= uch person's life is in danger, or in any other circumstances as may be detaine= d by law.

(4) Any public official who, by reason of his official position, inflicts mistreatment or physical or mental suffering on any person or instigates or tolerates such treatment, shall be punished* in accordance with law. <= /o:p>

Article 47: A person's home and any private premise are inviolable. They may not be forcibly entered except by court order, to prevent the commission of a crim= e or carry out the decisions handed down by the courts in accordance with law, respecting human dignity in all cases. Any health inspections carried out in accordance with law shall be performed only after notice from the officials* ordering or carrying it out.

Article 48: The secrecy and inviolability of private communications in all forms are guaranteed. The same may not be interfered with except by order of a compet= ent court, with observance of applicable provisions of law and preserving the secrecy of the private issues unrelated to the pertinent proceedings. =

Article 49: All judicial and administrative actions shall be subject to due process, therefore:

(1) Legal assistance and defense are inviolable rights at all stages and levels during the investigation and proceeding. Every person has the right to be notified of the charges for which he or she is being investigated, to have access to the evidence and to be afforded the necessary time and means to conduct his or her defense. Any evidence obtained in violation of due proce= ss shall be null and void. Any person declared guilty shall have the right to appeal, except in the cases established by this Constitution and by the law= .

(2) Any person shall be presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

(3) Every person has the right to be heard in proceedings of any kind, with all= due guarantees and within such reasonable time limit as may be legally detained= , by a competent, independent and impartial court established in advance. Anyone= who does not speak Spanish or is unable to communicate verbally is entitled to = an interpreter.

(4) Every person has the right to be judged by his or her natural judges of ordinary or special competence, with the guarantees established in this Constitution and by law. No person shall be put on trial without knowing the identity of the party judging him or her, nor be adjudged by exceptional co= urts or commissions created for such purpose.

(5) No person shall be required to confess guilt or testify against himself or herself or his or her spouse or partner, or any other relative within the fourth degree of consanguinity or the second degree of affinity. A confession shall be valid only if given without coercion of any kind. =

(6) No person shall be punished for acts or omissions not defined under preexis= ting laws as a crime, offense or infraction.

(7) No person shall be placed on trial based on the same facts for which such person has been judged previously.

(8) Every person shall request from the State the restoration or remediation of= a legal situation adversely affected by unwarranted judicial errors, and unjustified delay or omissions. The foregoing is without prejudice to the r= ight of the individual* to seek to hold the magistrate* or judge* personally lia= ble, and that of the State to take action against the same.

Article 50: Everyone shall freely transit by any means throughout the national territor= y, to change his or her domicile and residence, to leave and return to the Republic, to move his or her goods or belongings within the country and to bring his or her goods into or remove them from the country, subject only to such limitations as may be prescribes by law. In cases involving the granti= ng of a concession, the law shall provide for the circumstances in which an alternate route must be provided. Venezuelans* shall enter the country with= out need for authorization of any kind. No act of the Public Power may establish against Venezuelans* the penalty of banishment from the national territory.=

Article 51: Everyone has the right to petition or make representations before any autho= rity or public official* concerning matters within their competence, and to obta= in a timely and adequate response. Whoever violates this right shall be punished= in accordance with law, including the possibility of dismissal from office.

Article 52: Everyone has the right to assemble for lawful purposes, in accordance with = law. The State is obligated to facilitate the exercise of this right.

Article 53: Everyone has the right to meet publicly or privately, without obtaining permission in advance, for lawful purposes and without weapons. Meetings in public places may be regulated by law.

Article 54: No person shall be subjected to slavery or servitude. Traffic of persons, in particular women, children* and adolescents, in any form, shall be subject = to the penalties prescribes by law.

Article 55: Every person has the right to protection by the State, through the citizen safety organs regulated by law, from situations that affect or constitute a threat, vulnerability or risk to the physical integrity of individuals, the= ir properties, the enjoyment of rights or the Fulfi= llment of duties. Participation by citizens* in programs for purposes of preventio= n, citizen safety and emergency management shall be regulated by a special law. The State's security corps shall respect the human dignity and rights of all persons. The use of weapons or toxic substances by police and security offi= cers shall be limited by the principles of necessity, convenience, opportunity a= nd proportionality in accordance with law.

Article 56: Every person has the right to his own name, to the summ= ates of his father and mother, and to know the identity of the latter. The State guarantees the right to investigates maternity and paternity. All persons h= ave the right to be registered free of charge with the Civil Registry Office after birth, and to obtain public documents constituting evidence of their biolog= ical identity, in accordance with law. Such documents shall not contain any ment= ion classifying the parental relationship.

Article 57: Everyone has the right to express freely his or her thoughts, ideas or opin= ions orally, in writing or by any other form of expression, and to use for such purpose any means of communication and diffusion, and no censorship shall be established. Anyone making use of this right assumes full responsibility for everything expressed. Anonymity, war propaganda, discriminatory messages or those promoting religious intolerance are not permitted. Censorship restric= ting the ability of public officials* to report on matters for which they are responsible is prohibited.

Article 58: Communications are free and plural, and involve the duties and responsibili= ties indicated by law. Everyone has the right to timely, truthful and impartial = information, without censorship, in accordance with the principles of this Constitution,= as well as the right to reply and corrections when they are directly affected = by inaccurate or offensive information. Children* and adolescents have the rig= ht to receive adequate information for purposes of their overall development. =

Article 59: The State guarantees the freedom of cult and religion. All persons have the rig= ht to profess their religious faith and cults, and express their beliefs in private or in public, by teaching and other practices, provided such beliefs are not contrary to moral, good customs and public order. The autonomy and independence of religious confessions and churches is likewise guaranteed, subject only to such limitations as may derive from this Constitution and t= he law. Father and Mother are entitled to have their sons and daughters receive religious education in accordance with their convictions. No one shall invo= ke religious beliefs or discipline as a means of evading compliance with law or preventing another person* from exercising his or her rights.

Article 60: Every person is entitled to protection of his or her honor, private life, intimacy, self-image, confidentiality and reputation. The use of electronic information shall be restricted by law in order to guarantee the personal a= nd family intimacy and honor of citizens* and the full exercise of their right= s.

Article 61: All persons have the right to freedom of conscience, and to express the same except those practices affecting personality or constituting criminal offen= se. Objections of conscience may not be invoked in order to evade compliance wi= th law or prevent others from complying with law or exercising their rights. <= o:p>

Chapter IV

Political Rights and Public Referenda

Section One: Political Rights

Article 62: All citizens* have the right to participate freely in public affairs, either directly or through their elected* representatives. The participation of the people in forming, carrying out and controlling the management of public affairs is the necessary way of achieving the involvement to ensure their complete development, both individual and collective. It is the obligation = of the State and the duty of society to facilitate the generation of optimum conditions for putting this into practice.

Article 63: Suffrage is a right. lt. shall be exercised thro= ugh free, universal, direct and secret elections. The law shall guarantee the principle of personalization of suffrage and proportional representation. <= o:p>

Article 64: All Venezuelans* who have reached the age of 18 and are not subject to political disablement or civil interdiction are qualified to vote. In state, municipal and parish elections, the right to vote shall be extended to fore= ign nationals* who have reached the age of 18 and have resided in Venezuela for more than ten years, subject to the limitations established in this Constitution and by law, and provided they are not subject to political disablement or civil interdiction.

Article 65: Persons who have been convicted* of crimes committed while holding office or other offenses against public property, shall be ineligible to run for any office filled by popular vote, for such period as may be prescribed by law after serving their sentences, depending on the seriousness of the offense.=

Article 66: Voters have the right to obtain from their public representatives, transpar= ent and periodic accounting for their office, in accordance with the offered program.

Article 67: All citizens* have the right of association for political purposes, through democratic methods of organization, operation and direction. Their governing organs and candidates* for offices filled by popular vote, shall be selecte= d* by internal elections with participation of their members. No financing of associations for political purposes with State funds shall be permitted. Matters relating to the financing of and private contributions to associati= ons for political purposes shall be regulated by law, as shall the oversight mechanisms to guarantee propriety as to the sources and handling of such fu= nds. Law shall regulate as well, political and election campaigns, the duration thereof and spending limits with a view pursuing its democratization. Citizens*, on their own initiative, and associations for political purposes, shall be entitled to participate in the electoral process, putting forward candidates*. The financing of political advertising and election campaigns shall be regulated by law. The authorities of associations for political purposes shall not enter into contracts with organs in the public sector. <= o:p>

Article 68: Citizens* have the right to demonstrate, peacefully and without weapons, subject only to such requirements as may be established by law. The use of firearms and toxic substances to control peaceful demonstrations is prohibi= ted. The activity of police and security corps in maintaining public order shall= be regulated by law.

Article 69: The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela recognizes and guarantees the right of asylum and refuge. Extradition of Venezuelans* is prohibited.

Article 70: Participation and involvement of people in the exercise of their sovereignt= y in political affairs can be manifested by: voting to fill public offices, referendum, consultation of public opinion, mandate revocation, legislative, constitutional and constituent initiative, open forums and meetings of citizens* whose decisions shall be binding among others; and in social and economic affairs: citizen service organs, self-management, co-management, cooperatives in all forms, including those of a financial nature, savings funds, community enterprises, and other forms of association guided by the values of mutual cooperation and solidarity. The law shall establish condit= ions for the effective, functioning of the means of participation provided for u= nder the present article.

Section Two: Popular Referendum

Article 71: Matters of special national transcendence may be referred to a consultative referendum, on the initiative of the President* of the Republic, taken at a meeting of the Cabinet; by resolution of the National Assembly, passed by a majority vote; or at the request of a number of voters constituting at least 10% of all voters* registered on the national, civil and electoral registry. Matters of special state, municipal and parish transcendence may also be referred to a consultative referendum. The initiative shall be taken by the Parish Board, the Municipal Council and to the Legislative Council, by the = vote of two third of its members; by the Mayor* and the Governor* or by a number= of voters constituting at least 10% of the total number of voters registered in the pertinent circumscription.