The Red de Observadores Electorales, under the public spotlight since the Cardinal said it is being used as an instrument for foreign intervention in Dominican political matters, has begun to recruit volunteers who will participate as observers of the presidential election in May. The campaign began at a national meeting where 140 delegates from around the country participated. The objective of the Red is to recruit 10,000 volunteers throughout the nation. During the event, the ruling of the JCE that regulates the behavior of observers was explained.
Miguel Ceara Hatton speaking for the Participación Ciudadana that organizes the Red de Observadores said they have received US$350,000 from the AID to implement training programs. Also speaking for the group, Isidoro Santana, said that the role of the Red de Observadores Electorales is exclusively to observe the electoral process and avoid a repeat of what occurred during the last election.