The trip for two members of the JCE cost US$832 for each hour of training

The media coverage centers on a financial and operational controversy involving the Central Electoral Board (Junta Central Electoral, or JCE) of the Dominican Republic, specifically regarding official international travel by its principal members. The core issue involves a trip taken by JCE members Hirayda Fernández and Samir Chami Isa to León, Spain, to attend a Cybersecurity Summer BootCamp, which cost the institution $33,294.27 in travel allowances and tickets alone, breaking down to $832 per hour of training.

Following the publication of these figures, the JCE issued an extensive communication defending the official missions and rejecting the questioning of travel costs and durations. The electoral body provided explanations regarding its international responsibilities and the importance of such delegations. In response, Diario Libre addressed the JCE's defense, acknowledging the institution's explanations while maintaining coverage of the ongoing public debate surrounding the expenditure.