The appointment of Judge Luis Arias as the new president of the Central Electoral Board (JCE) has been applauded by President Hip?lito Mej?a, who described Arias as ?capable and experienced?. Arias has pledged to restore harmony to the troubled institution, which had been locked into a dispute between the former president and authorities for over six months. The way in which the JCE head was selected was criticized by C?sar Pina Toribio, a PLD delegate to the board, although he did not have specific objections to the appointment itself. Pina Toribio said he did not doubt that Arias was capable of organizing transparent elections, but voiced his concern that the public would not have faith in someone who was selected in such a way. The selection process was denounced in some quarters for having been too swift and not allowing time for the merits of all candidates to be considered thoroughly. There have also been accusations of nepotism against Arias, whose wife and son also work in the JCE. This allegation was made by former JCE president Morel Cerda, whose staff ironically also included several members of his own family.
Civil society organization Participaci?n Cuidadana welcomed Arias? selection but expressed reservations about the judge appointed to head the disputes chamber, Ram?n Hern?ndez Dom?nguez, who is reportedly a cousin of President Hip?lito Mej?a. The President yesterday denied any relation, and insisted they had ever met. ?Now [they will say that] all the Dom?nguez (Mejia?s mother?s maiden name) are my cousins?.