The Central Electoral Board (JCE) met yesterday without their controversial president Ram?n Morel Cerda, who is engaged in a bitter dispute with his colleagues and has refused to appear at JCE proceedings for several days now. With Luis Mera Alvarez standing in for the absent chief, the JCE dismissed three officials, including Morel Cerda?s daughter and assistant, Mayra Morel. Two other employees said to be close to Morel Cerda, PR officer Xiomara Pimentel and security assistant Francisco Morel, were also relieved of their posts. Morel Cerda, however, said he would overrule any decisions made during his absence. Nelson G?mez, president of the JCE?s administrative chamber, said that these moves were not in “retaliation” against Morel Cerda, but rather a way of resolving the current conflict. He accused Morel Cerda of “hijacking” the post of president, and added that the JCE would carry out its business as usual with or without Morel Cerda.