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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 The
Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States
(EOM/OAS) to the general elections of May 15 in the Dominican Republic,
headed by former Colombian President Andrés Pastrana, today presented a preliminary report that proposes an in-depth structural reform in order to help strengthen the electoral process in the country.
The
Mission specifically made observations and recommendations on the
implementation of an electoral technology, loopholes in campaign
financing, inequality in terms of access to the media, and the system of
representation and participation of women in politics.
On
election day, the 38 international experts and observers who were part
of the Mission visited 292 voting centers in 18 provinces of the
country. Two additional observers witnessed the voting process in
Washington, D.C., United States.
On Sunday,
Dominican citizens expressed their will at the polls and, according to
data by the Central Electoral Board, more than 60% voted in favor of
Danilo Medina, who will be re-elected as President for the next four
years.
In the days leading up to the election, the Central
Electoral Board (JCE, by its Spanish acronym) and a group of opposition
parties requested the Mission’s good offices to bring about a dialogue
between parties who disagreed on the procedure for counting votes. The
Mission welcomed the fact that the Board listened to the complaints
received but regretted that doors were not opened for a dialogue with
concerned parties.
The Mission deplored the isolated incidents of
violence that left six people dead. Despite these facts and with the
exception of the opening and closing of polling stations, the day
progressed in an orderly manner. Proper training of polling station
members, familiarity with the manual method, and the willingness and
experience of party delegates helped to ensure the election process took
place without further setbacks.
The Mission expresses its
appreciation for the openness shown by the Central Electoral Board, the
Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE, by its Spanish acronym), and the
various government agencies in allowing the Mission to gather the
information it needed to carry out its work. Furthermore, the Mission
is grateful for the financial contributions of Bolivia, Spain, the
United States, Israel, Luxembourg, and Peru, which made possible the
deployment of the Mission.
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
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