Santo Domingo.- Observers from the Organization of American States (OAS), in the country to monitor the upcoming elections, met with the Military Electoral Police (PME) authorities to review the approved security measures for the presidential and congressional elections on May 19.
During the meeting, Major General Juan José Otaño Jiménez, head of the PME, along with senior staff, presented the operational security plan to OAS representatives Nahuel Carreras, Juan Carlos Maidana, and Sean Cázares, a specialist in electoral violence. They detailed the deployment and coordination strategies between the Armed Forces and the National Police, assuring the OAS delegation that all personnel are trained and prepared for any eventuality. Protocols for conflict management and human rights protection were also thoroughly explained.
The observers appreciated the new measures implemented at the OAS’s request following the last electoral process in February, such as assigning female personnel to each electoral precinct and enforcing security measures to prevent unauthorized tents or tables.
The meeting also covered the importance of facilitating the work of OAS observers and the press. Major General Otaño Jiménez assured the representatives that they would have all the necessary support to carry out their observation tasks effectively and safely. “We want them to feel supported and safe in their mission to guarantee the transparency of the electoral process,” he said.
Major General Otaño Jiménez emphasized that “transparency and security are fundamental pillars in our operational scheme. We are dedicated to ensuring that the electoral process occurs in an environment of peace and respect, providing the necessary confidence for citizens to vote with complete peace of mind.”
The OAS representatives expressed their satisfaction and gratitude for the PME’s openness and cooperation. They recognized the efforts made to ensure a transparent and secure electoral process, highlighting the importance of collaboration between local authorities and international observers.