NewsWhore
05-28-2007, 06:00 PM
Much like a jilted bride, the Central Electoral Board (JCE) is starting to get worried by President Leonel Fernandez's apparent lack of interest in meeting with the board. Diario Libre says that the magistrates are interpreting this attitude as a Presidential lack of affection for the board's composition. Already in office for six months, the JCE has not even been able to hold the normal protocol ceremonial meeting with the President, and hasn't received an answer to three formal requests for meetings. The first request came after the announcement of JCE budget cuts for 2007. The request was made on 11 November 2006. The letter reviewed the precarious economic situation the JCE was experiencing and gave dire warnings about possible long-term effects. According to one of the JCE magistrates, only "Julio Cesar Castanos, Leyda Pina and Aura Celeste (Fernandez) have met with the President in work relating to the Commission for the Reformation of the State."
Another magistrate, Eddy Olivares, said that it is "not good for the JCE to ask for 'economic favors' from the Chief Executive because this can affect the JCE's credibility."
The explanation for the lack of planned resources is in the discounts that the Banco de Reservas is carrying out for the loan being disbursed for the SOMO electronic registration and voting systems approved in the past government with the support of Judge Roberto Rosario, who continues in the new JCE board. The SOMO contract is on hold, pending results of a new audit.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#7)
Another magistrate, Eddy Olivares, said that it is "not good for the JCE to ask for 'economic favors' from the Chief Executive because this can affect the JCE's credibility."
The explanation for the lack of planned resources is in the discounts that the Banco de Reservas is carrying out for the loan being disbursed for the SOMO electronic registration and voting systems approved in the past government with the support of Judge Roberto Rosario, who continues in the new JCE board. The SOMO contract is on hold, pending results of a new audit.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#7)