Dominican Republic
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Comments: For electoral purposes, the political and administrative division of the country (thirty provinces and the national district) is used. Each province is assigned a seat per 50,000 inhabitants or a fraction above 25,000, although they must have at least two. Each province is a single constituency with a variable amount of seats. However, the law sets forth that as of the legislative and municipal elections of the year 2002 on, special districts be created. For this purpose, the JCE approved two resolution, one in July, 2001 (RJCE-05), and the other in december of the same year(RJCE-11), establishing the boundaries of the new districts in the provinces where more than five deputies are elected.
Source: EL: 79 to 81. Resolution of the JCE No. 05-2001, July, 2001 (RJCE-05) Resolution of the JCE No. 11-2001 December, 2001 (RJCE-11)
Last updated: 2007-11-12 20:00:57 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
b. Respecting natural barriers
c. Compactness of constituencies
d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
e. Geographic size of district
f. Communities of interest/cultural concerns
Source: EL: 79 to 81. RJCE-05 RCJE-11
Last updated: 2007-11-12 20:00:57 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Carlos Navarro
b. Job Title: Director of Electoral Studies
c. Organisation: Federal Electoral Institute
d. Contact Address. Viaducto Tlalpan 100, Arenal Tepepan, Mexico City, 14610
e. Telephone: (5255) 5628-4234
f. Facsimile: (5255) 5655-7012
g. Email: cmnf99@ife.org.mx
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:18:28 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
f. None
Source: 2002 Constitution.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:19:13 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 2002 Constitution.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:19:37 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 2002 Constitution.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:19:50 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 2002 Constitution.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:20:10 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 2002 Constitution.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:20:41 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 2002 Constitution.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:21:13 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 2002 Constitution.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:21:35 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 2002 Constitution.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:21:52 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 2002 Constitution.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:22:09 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Junta Central Electoral
b. Full Address Av. 27 de febrero esq. Luperón, Santo Domingo
c. Telephone (809) 539- 5019
d. Facsimile (809) 530 0302
e. Email jce(a)codetel.net.do
f. Website Address http://www.jce.do
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Dr. Julio César Castaños Guzmán, Magistrado Presidente
h. Information Officer Dr. Alejandro Vicini
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections Spanish
Source: Junta Central Electoral
Last updated: 2007-11-12 17:06:05 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
c. Local level
Source: C: 92 EL: 3
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:17:13 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Comments: The budgetary needs are determined by the JCE. After this, they are submitted to the Executive Branch, which sends it to the National Congress for approval. The budget may be modified both by the President and by the National Congress.
Source: C: 37, 55 EL: 6
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:17:13 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
e. Another organ within the national government
Comments: The electoral body's expenses are approved by the plenum of the Judges of the JCE and controlled by the Financial Directorate, under the surveillance of the Internal Audit. Said processes are verified and audited by the General Comptrollership of the Republic and the Accountability Chamber, whenever this organization deems it adequate.
Source: EL: 6
Last updated: 2007-11-12 19:41:35 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
b. For a term of _________ years
Comments: For a term of four years. The Senate elects the nine magistrates of the JCE (a chair and eight members) to serve for a four year term.
Source: EL: 4
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:17:13 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
a. estimated total: USD $ 1, 136 ,276. 00 (RD $18,708,785.60) Exchange rate: 1 USD = 17.93 RD pesos
Comments: 1 136 276 USD (1 USD = 17.93 RD pesos)
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:17:13 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: 4, 647, 839
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:17:13 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
a. Head of State is the Head of Government
Source: C: 49 and 55
Last updated: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 22:16:58 GMT
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
b. Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: If necessary, runoff is held 45 days after first round. Reelection of the president is permitted for one more term, with the impossibility of ever contending again for the presidency or the vicepresidency. The presidential term lasts four years.
Source: C: 49 EL: 162
Last updated: 2007-11-09 19:40:04 UTC
ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes
Comments: The President is elected by popular vote for a four-year term.
Source: C: 49
Last updated: 2007-11-09 18:05:28 UTC
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
b. Two chambers
Comments: The Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
Source: C: 16
Last updated: 2007-11-09 18:08:10 UTC
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
g. List Proportional Representation
Comments: According to the Constitution, each deputy is elected for every 50,000 inhabitants or a fraction above 25,000. Deputies are elected taking into account the political division of the country into provinces (thirty-one in all), including the so called national district (capital district). At least two deputies must be elected in every province, regardless of the size of its population. By resolution of the JCE (Junta Central Electoral), the Provinces with less than 250,000 inhabitants can only make up a single constituency or multimember district. Thus, they are allocated from two to five seats. The provinces with more than 250,000 inhabitants can be divided into two or more multimember districts. Deputies are elected for a four year term and immediate reelection is permitted.
Source: C: 24 EL: 79 to 81, and 164.
Last updated: 2007-11-09 19:40:04 UTC
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 22:49:12 GMT
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
b. Separate legislation
Comments: The basic provisions about the electoral regime are embodied in the Constitution, but a separate and specific legislation details all aspects related to the preparation, organization and surveillance of elections, including the legal regime of political parties (Electoral Code). The Electoral Code entitles the electoral management body (JCE) to dictate all the measures it deems adequate for the smooth development of the electoral processes.
Source: C: 91, 92
Last updated: 2007-11-12 15:53:47 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
c. Local elections
Source: C: 90 EL: 86
Last updated: 2007-11-13 17:02:52 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
Comments: In spite of its compulsory nature, the Constitution establishes voting as a right. There are no sanctions for non-voters.
Source: C: 9, 13 and 88 International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
Last updated: 2007-11-13 17:02:52 UTC
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
b. EMB
Comments: The electoral body -- Junta Central Electoral-- is invested with both powers, administrative and jurisdictional (resolution of challenges). It is empowered to get to know and decide on challenges, appeals, protests, claims, and other resources that result from first degree judgments of the electoral boards.
Source: EL: 6
Last updated: 2007-11-12 16:48:46 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:41:27 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:41:27 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:41:27 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:41:27 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:41:27 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:41:27 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Source: EL: 94 International IDEA research, February 2007
Last updated: 2007-11-13 20:22:17 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X
Comments: The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising
Source: EL: 94 International IDEA research, February 2007
Last updated: 2007-11-13 20:22:17 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:41:27 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:41:27 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:41:27 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:41:27 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)
c. Regional distribution requirement
Comments: The signatures of citizens nationwide who accept to affiliate with the party, that must be of at least 2% of the valid votes cast in the previous presidential elections. The party must also have representation (offices) in, at least, the capital cities of all provinces, which ought to be located in urban areas. Once a party is registrated, it can place candidates for every election.
Source: EL: 42
Last updated: 2007-11-13 20:07:55 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)
c. Regional distribution requirement
Comments: The signatures of citizens nationwide who accept to affiliate with the party, that must be of at least 2% of the valid votes cast in the previous presidential elections. The party must also have representation (offices) in, at least, the capital cities of all provinces, which ought to be located in urban areas. Once a party is registrated, it can place candidates for every election.
Source: EL: 42
Last updated: 2007-11-13 20:07:55 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
d. Residence
j. Other
Comments: a. 25 years old. d. If the candidate is not native to the electoral district, must have resided there for at least 5 years. j. Naturalized citizens are only entitled to be candidates after 10 years of their naturalization and 5 years of residence in the corresponding electoral district.
Source: C: 22 and 25
Last updated: 2007-11-13 20:07:55 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
a. Age
d. Residence
j. Other
Comments: a. 25 years old. d. If the candidate is not native to the electoral district, must have resided there for at least 5 years. j. Naturalized citizens are only entitled to be candidates after 10 years of their naturalization and 5 years of residence in the corresponding electoral district.
Source: EL: 22
Last updated: 2007-11-13 20:07:55 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
e. In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: In order to compete, the "accidental political groups" that back the candidacy must inform the JCE of their intention to so 60 days prior to the election and have enough memebers to add up to a certain percentage of the citizens registered in each constituency. Such political groups have to be organized as a registered political party.
Source: EL: 76 and 77
Last updated: 2007-11-13 20:07:55 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
b. Direct
c. Indirect
Comments: c. Time on state radio and TV.
Source: EL: 48-55 and 94 International IDEA (2004) "A Challenge for Democracy; Political Parties in Central America, Panama and the Dominican Republic"
Last updated: 2007-11-13 20:07:55 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
b. Based on result of previous election
Comments: 80% of the budget for those parties with more than 5% of valid votes cast in the previous presidential election, and 20% for those with less than 5% of valid votes.
Source: EL: 50
Last updated: 2007-11-13 19:57:44 UTC
Vote Counting
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Source: EL: 126 and 127
Last updated: 2007-11-13 20:09:44 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
d. By request
Source: EL: 140
Last updated: 2007-11-13 20:15:57 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
b. Regional Electoral Management Bodies
Source: EL: 6, 39, 100, 104
Last updated: 2007-11-13 16:26:01 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only
Source: JCE
Last updated: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 23:29:17 GMT
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Source: EL: 34
Last updated: Wed, 10 Jul 2002 00:40:10 GMT
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
b. Citizens residing outside the country
Comments: The electoral law foresees the possibility that Dominicans residing abroad might vote in the presidential elections, but provisions are subject to the approval of the JCE. Voting from outside the country will be implemented for the first time for the presidential elections on 2008
Source: EL: 82 and 83
Last updated: 2007-11-13 17:45:01 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
f. Other
Comments: The electoral law foresees the possibility that Dominicans residing abroad might vote in the presidential elections, but provisions are subject to the approval of the JCE. It will be implemented for the presidential elections on 2008. It is not yet defined where will it take place.
Last updated: 2007-11-13 17:45:01 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 400 voters
Last updated: 2007-11-13 17:37:42 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Source: EL: 120
Last updated: Wed, 10 Jul 2002 00:45:10 GMT
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: Five people to each polling station, regardless of its size.
b. The largest polling station: Five people to each polling station, regardless of its size.
Last updated: Wed, 10 Jul 2002 00:46:00 GMT
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Comments: Citizenship is acquired at the age of 18 or, if the person is younger, when they get married.
Source: C: 12
Last updated: 2007-11-13 17:11:17 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
Source: C: 13
Last updated: 2007-11-13 17:09:00 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The JCE is empowered to set forth every regulation that relates to making up, updating and upkeep of the electoral register.
Source: EL: 6, 39 and 40
Last updated: 2007-11-13 17:11:17 UTC
May 20, 2008 07:18 AM
