The observing group from the Organization of American States has guaranteed the “total impartiality” of its 24 members. The group, headed by Santiago Murray, arrived on Wednesday, 8 May, and met with the Junta Central Electoral. The group has requested meetings with President Joaquin Balaguer and with the presidential candidates. Mr Murray arrived with Steven Griver, and Rafael Núñez. The other 21 members of the mission are expected on Thursday, 9 May. Santiago Murray said the organization of the election was going well, and that he hopes the 1996 election will be “all party and happiness” for the Dominican people.
In addition to the OAS, the Junta Central Electoral has advised that it has authorized some further 124 international observers. These include some from: Protocolo de Tikal, the Centro de Asesoría y Promoción Electoral, the Conferencia Permanente de Partidos Políticos de América Latina, the Carter Center, Internacional Socialista and the Senate of Puerto Rico.