60,000 military, police to keep order in May 15 election

Santo Domingo.- Around 60,000military and National Police officers will keep order, ensure the safety of votersin the May 15 election and transport and safeguard all equipment and material tobe used in the 16,000 polling stations nationwide.

Speaking at the Defense Ministry,Central Electoral Board (JCE) president Roberto Rosario urged the police andthe military to be "extremely tolerant" towards citizens at theballot box.

He warned of "fatal"consequences and the entire process destabilized if police and soldiers fail tocarry out their duty. “That’s the reason why they must carry out only theorders by the Electoral Military Police (PME).

"No politician of any party,whether opposition or government, can issue instructions. Only the ElectoralMilitary Police can instruct that day, because the peace and Dominicandemocracy are at stake," the official said.