NewsWhore
07-08-2010, 03:20 PM
The Organization of American States (OAS) has issued its report on the results of the recent election in the Dominican Republic, presenting its final recommendations to the institution's Permanent Council through individual reports submitted by Electoral Observation Missions (EOM).
The OAS Secretary for External Relations, Adam Blackwell, presented the EOM report yesterday. It was prepared by 53 specialists and observers from 20 countries who traveled to the Dominican Republic to monitor the May 16 Congressional and Municipal electoral process. A total of 4,036 positions were filled, including deputies, senators, mayors, deputy mayors, councilors and representatives at the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN). In total, more than 6.1 million citizens were eligible to vote for 16,000 candidates.
"In summary, the mission believes that the process was carried out successfully and that the will of Dominicans has been respected and fully expressed in the polls," said Ambassador Blackwell. "During its period of observation, the EOM noted that the electoral body received the complete confidence of both political and social stakeholders, a significant accomplishment for the consolidation of the Dominican democratic and electoral system."
According to the report, the Mission did observe some electoral violations, including buying of identity cards in the municipality of Mao, in Valverde province, and evidence of vote buying in 17% of observed electoral polls. Additionally, the Mission observed significant incidents of campaigning in voting centers and surrounding areas, with evidence of electoral propaganda in or around 63% of observed voting centers.
The key recommendations outlined by the EOM's Chief of Mission were: to review the ballot design, which in this instance created difficulties for both voters and the counting of votes; for the Central Electoral Board (JCE) to redouble its efforts and implement information campaigns so voters understand the electoral process and how to vote; to ensure equitable conditions for electoral competition; to have competent authorities in the full exercise of their faculties, with the ability to punish perpetrators who violate established laws; and to strengthen electoral institutions.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#5)
The OAS Secretary for External Relations, Adam Blackwell, presented the EOM report yesterday. It was prepared by 53 specialists and observers from 20 countries who traveled to the Dominican Republic to monitor the May 16 Congressional and Municipal electoral process. A total of 4,036 positions were filled, including deputies, senators, mayors, deputy mayors, councilors and representatives at the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN). In total, more than 6.1 million citizens were eligible to vote for 16,000 candidates.
"In summary, the mission believes that the process was carried out successfully and that the will of Dominicans has been respected and fully expressed in the polls," said Ambassador Blackwell. "During its period of observation, the EOM noted that the electoral body received the complete confidence of both political and social stakeholders, a significant accomplishment for the consolidation of the Dominican democratic and electoral system."
According to the report, the Mission did observe some electoral violations, including buying of identity cards in the municipality of Mao, in Valverde province, and evidence of vote buying in 17% of observed electoral polls. Additionally, the Mission observed significant incidents of campaigning in voting centers and surrounding areas, with evidence of electoral propaganda in or around 63% of observed voting centers.
The key recommendations outlined by the EOM's Chief of Mission were: to review the ballot design, which in this instance created difficulties for both voters and the counting of votes; for the Central Electoral Board (JCE) to redouble its efforts and implement information campaigns so voters understand the electoral process and how to vote; to ensure equitable conditions for electoral competition; to have competent authorities in the full exercise of their faculties, with the ability to punish perpetrators who violate established laws; and to strengthen electoral institutions.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#5)