Dr. Cesar Estrella Sadhala, the president of the Central Electoral Board (JCE) which organized the 1996 presidential election, officially resigned from the JCE, together with the other four members of the body. The resignation is effective 27 October, two years after the members were ratified by members of the Senate.
The JCE of Dr. Estrella Sadhala, together with Aura Celeste Fernandez, Juan Sully Bonnelly, Rafael Vallejo Santelises and Luis Mora Guzman, was highly praised after the 1996 elections, which were the most organized and least questioned in recent memory. Particularly impressive was the speed with which the results of the first round and run-off elections were released. The performance of this JCE prompted many national figures to suggest Dr. Estrella Sadhala for the Supreme Court, but it is unclear as to whether he would accept such an appointment.
The Senate will now have to appoint a new JCE for the 1998 municipal and congressional elections.