The Central Electoral Board (JCE) has refused to recognize 11 political parties and 22 movements that were preparing for participation in the upcoming elections on 16 May 2006. The decision by the majority of the judges was taken having considered the impact of the recognition of new parties, which would not be positive in the country’s party system, according to JCE President Luis Arias Nunez, as reported by Diario Libre. “Judges acted freely, all spoke and I did not receive any pressure personally”, stated Arias.
El Caribe adds that the organizations that were refused recognition included Agriculture Minister Amilcar Romero’s PRP.