The Senate began public hearings on the potential candidates for the two judgeships up for grabs on the Central Electoral Board (JCE). At the same time, the leader of the Chamber of Deputies has called for limited debate and quick approval of the 2003 budget. In December, the two legislative bodies locked horns in a disagreement over who would approve first much lobbied for legislative pieces — the sovereign bond (that was pending in the Chamber of Deputies) or the amendments to the Electoral Law (that was pending in the Senate). Members of all three parties have stated that the budget will be passed without any snags. The larger obstacles will come from the Senate, where nominations for the two judgeships for the JCE are to be heard. Each political party has taken a stance and each party has talked with the President.
