A run for the presidency can cost as much as RD$1.0B: Top official

Santo Domingo.- Central Electoral Board (JCE) president RobertoRosario on Wednesday revealed that a rally to close a campaign costs RD$200million, while a run for the presidency can cost as much as RD$1.0 billion.

Rosario said the Dominican electoral system has notspending ceiling, neither on propaganda nor publicity, and income and expenses hecalled “enormous.”

He said however, that campaigns have positive impact on theeconomy, especially canteens, colmados, street vendors and all kinds ofactivities, resulting in a trickle-down which allows those at the bottom to get"something."

The official spoke at luncheon of the American Chamber ofCommerce of the Dominican Republic (AMCHAMDR).