SANTO DOMINGO. - The Organization of American States’ (OAS) latest electoral observation report affirms a 60 percent abstention from the polls in Sunday’s elections, and a 35% voting participation.

OAS delegation chief Adam Blackwell said the figures are the result of the organization’s observations and that the Central Board Electoral (JCE)will issue the formal data.

In a press conference in the OAS offices Monday morning Blackwell said he does not know if the abstention in the mid term elections can be attributed to the rains or to what in his view was the lack of platforms by the parties.

He again hailed the role played by the JCE, despite the OAS’ recommendations to simplify the Dominican electoral system and improve voting mechanisms such as to revise and redesign the ballots, which his Delegation says caused difficulties in the tallies.

The OAS also recommended more fairness among the parties, since they observed the use of taxpayers’ money for electoral campaign activities, with no efficient control mechanisms and penalties.