The National Senate must appoint the members of the Central Electoral Board (JCE) within 60 days of its inauguration on 16 August 2024 with the start of the new legislature. The ruling Modern Revolutionary Party has the absolute majority in the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.
The PRM holds an absolute majority in the Senate, placing the responsibility of appointing the new JCE entirely in its hands.
El Dia reports that while the Chamber of Deputies is not directly involved in this appointment, it may become a battleground for opposition parties, namely the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) as it advocates for their inclusion in the JCE selection process.
The first decision for the ruling party will be whether to use its majority to expedite the process or to engage in consultations with social and political stakeholders.
El Dia says there is the possibility of either reappointing the current members, including JCE president Román Jáquez, due to the smooth execution of the previous electoral process, or making a mix of reappointments and new appointments.
The current members of the JCE are recognized for their independent decision-making and the effective organization of the municipal and presidential and congressional elections in 2024.
The JCE’s renewal of national ID cards, scheduled to start on 17 August 2024, has been postponed with no new date announced yet.
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El Dia
13 August 2024