JCE interferes and distracts the investigation into election funds abroad in 2024
El Faro Latino, which filed the writ of amparo in demand of transparency, denounces that this partial delivery constitutes a distraction maneuver and a direct interference in the journalistic investigation seeking to determine whether there was wrongdoing in the management of electoral funds allocated to the three constituencies into which the Dominican vote abroad is divided.
The “other documents”, an empty box
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- Members of the JCE Plenary Assembly
Among the papers submitted by the JCE was a folder labeled “Other Documents,” subdivided into three sections: Funds, Inventory, and Remittances. After a technical analysis, the investigative team concluded that these files lack titles, dates, signatures, supporting documents, and minimum traceability. In all cases, they were classified as unreliable material, with low priority and automatic annotations such as “untitled,” “no file link,” or even “false.”
“We are dealing with documents that provide no probative value whatsoever. Their inclusion only sought to give the appearance of volume, but in practice they are incomplete records that divert attention from what truly matters: the electoral funds reflected in the banking statements,” explained Esteban Cabrera, director of El Faro Latino.
Serious inconsistencies detected
The review of the submitted documentation revealed common and structural problems: the absence of bank statements and reconciliations that would allow verification of monthly continuity; payment records without support, without dates, clear beneficiaries, linked contracts, or proof of tax withholdings; contracts without an organized registry or complete files to cross-check with disbursements; payroll, travel allowances, and tickets incomplete, lacking settlements or supporting invoices; and the “Other Documents” category entirely devoid of traceability and validation.
These irregularities confirm that the files delivered do not meet the minimum standards of transparency required by Law 200-04 on Free Access to Public Information.
An attempt at interference
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- omán Jáquez Liranzo, president of the JCE Plenary, and Well Sepúlveda, director of the Dominican Vote Abroad of the JCE.
The JCE’s decision to deliver these documents just as the TSA is about to rule on the writ of amparo filed by El Faro Latino raises serious suspicions. For this outlet, it is a strategy to divert attention and weaken the judicial action.
“It is a clear attempt to obstruct journalistic investigation and manipulate public opinion. Transparency is not achieved with scattered, incomplete, or empty files, but with the full and validated delivery of official documentation,” emphasized Cabrera.
The next step, awaiting the TSA’s ruling
In light of this situation, El Faro Latino has decided to reject the files delivered and maintain the writ of amparo. Only a firm judicial ruling will ensure that the JCE complies with its obligation to deliver all the required documentation so that an independent forensic audit can be carried out.
The investigation remains open, and this outlet reaffirms its commitment to truth and accountability. “Dominican democracy cannot be sustained on incomplete files or dilatory maneuvers,” Cabrera concluded.
