The political delegate of the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) to the Central Electoral Board (JCE), Orlando Jorge Mera, insists that the government take actions to ensure the vote of Dominicans abroad for the presidential and congressional election of 5 July 2020. He said the issue has been high on the agenda of discussions the opposition party has been having with the JCE judges. He said other key topics are the health safety protocol for the elections, the restructuring of the Internet Technology Communications department at the JCE, and the electoral guarantee
By electoral guarantees, he said he means that the JCE judges must take actions to ensure equity in the campaigning. He said that several government officers or former government officers that are seeking elective posts have been allowed to violate the curfew and have been taking advantage of relief efforts to attract voters.
“The vote abroad is fundamental. There cannot be elections without these being also held in the main cities where Dominicans that want to vote live,” he said. He thanks US Representative Adriano Espaillat for taking the leadership in demanding that the JCE take actions to ensure Dominicans can vote abroad. The New York City municipal authorities have stated there is no impediment for the vote to take place. In a letter the legal assistant to Mayor Bill de Blasio said there is no impediment for the vote to take place. The municipality requests that the Dominican consular office deposit the contracts for the polling places with the needed arrangements for the coronavirus epidemic.
Jorge Mera said that the PRM would be submitting a motion against campaign efforts undertaken by Vice President Margarita Cedeño, who as director of the social programs of the Medina administration is in charge of the largest relief effort for the coronavirus epidemic. Cedeño is running for vice president for the ruling party.
Jorge Mera also criticized that Rafael Paz, who is head of the National Competitiveness Council, is still showing to be officially on the job. Paz is running for senator of the National District for the government party. Jorge Mera said the party would be submitting the motion to the electoral prosecutor.
The PRM has also has presented several suggestions for the electoral health safety protocol for 5 July. He said the protocols proposals have been sent to the Pan aAmerican Health Organization (PAHO), the International Federation of Electoral Systems (IFES) and the Organization of American States (OAS) that are also advising on the protocols for voter observation in times of an epidemic.
He advised there is consensus the voting places will be disinfected prior to the election, and election works will have the necessary protective gear (masks, gloves and gel). He urges the have an abundance of facial masks, especially in low income neighborhood polling stations. He said the JCE has already purchased 1.2 million masks and is likely to purchase more in time for the election. He said political parties are also making available masks for their party members.
Jorge Mera said a second meeting is scheduled for Friday and decisions should be announced by Monday, 18 May.
The 5 July 2020 elections are scheduled to take place from 7am to 7pm nationwide.
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Listin Diario
15 May 2020