2003News

Central Electoral Board still in the news

Differing opinions as to the merit of President Hip?lito Mej?a?s intervention in the Central Electoral Board (JCE) have divided its members, says a report in Hoy newspaper. Three of the Board?s members, including the president of the Litigation Chamber, said that JCE president Manuel Ram?n Morel Cerda is responsible for the current crisis, and support the President?s actions. 
Meanwhile, two other members refused to give opinions on the possible intervention of President Mej?a, and another judge rejected any intervention in the crisis. 
Reporters interviewed Nelson G?mez, the judge and president of the Administrative Chamber of the JCE, as well as judges Rafael D?az V?squez and Roberto Rosario. All three rejected the idea that an internal crisis has besieged the Electoral Board, saying that recent incidents were caused by Morel Cerda?s inability to adapt to the new structure as provided by law. Last night President Mej?a admitted that he does not have the authority to intervene in the conflict, but added ?if there were a conflict, [he] would have to take action??