The observers that came from the Organization of American States (OAS) told Dominican newspapers that they have recommended that the Central Electoral Board (JCE) demand that all of the 19,000 candidates turn in their expense reports as required by the Electoral Law. The OAS mission noted that just a few days before the elections for mayors and city council members, only three of the more than 19,000 had done so. The JCE even has a digital platform called SIFE that is designed to facilitate these reports, but only 842 persons visited the platform and only three complied with the requirements.
Perhaps more important is the resounding fact that the sub-agency of the JCE that is charged under the law with punishing those persons who fail to comply with the requirements has not issued a single fine.
While the OAS delegation praised the JCE for the existence of Law 20-23 that covers everything to do with the elections in the Dominican Republic, they did say that it really was necessary to force the compliance by the political parties.
It should be remembered that at what might be called “municipal level” in the Dominican Republic, there are two types: municipalities and municipal districts. Municipal districts have what might be called “managers” and a small group of council members while the municipalities have mayors and a true city council. All of these positions enjoy salaries and other benefits.
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Listin Diario
26 February 2024