Dominican Republic bans foreign funding for campaigns

Santo Domingo.- The Central Electoral Board (JCE) bannedall parties, candidates and political organizations taking part in theelections May 15, from accepting donations or contributions from foreigngovernments, companies or international organizations to support or fund campaign.

Citing the Constitution and the electoral law, the JCEimmediately requested oversight by the ministries of the Economy, of Justiceand Internal Taxes to ensure that no foreign entities or individuals can channelresources to parties or candidates.

The resolution announced Tuesday authorizes full measure,retention and confiscation of contributions or donations that have this originin accordance with the provisions of the Act.

"These provisions don’t imply a waiver of enforcementand prosecution by other legal means against those who engage in the violationof the Constitution, the procedural laws, and the violation of this injunction,"the JCE said.

This measure is set to start with the participation ofinternational organizations such as the Organization of American States (OAS)Electoral Council of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), and the Associationof World Electoral Bodies (A-WEB).