The welcoming remarks were delivered by Gustavo Tavares, President of AMCHAMDR, in which he referred to the rulings of the competent courts, which must be respected by all, including the State itself, as the only way to guarantee democracy.

Santo Domingo, June 29, 2016. Rafael Blanco Canto, President of the National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP), was the speaker and guest of honor at the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic's June monthly luncheon. He delivered a presentation on the topic: "The Status and Prospects of the Country's Democratic Institutions." The luncheon, held in the Embajador Room of the Hotel El Embajador, welcomed keynote speakers from the country's business sector.

Prior to the presentation by the President of CONEP, Gustavo Tavares, President of AMCHAMDR, welcomed those present and emphasized: "The Chamber is convinced that strengthening institutions linked to the development of a sound market economy creates the conditions for prosperity and growth for a country, and therefore, for its inhabitants and businesses. The lack of transparency and institutionality is the cross-cutting factor that gives rise to legal uncertainty," he stated.
Respect for the legally established rules of the game directly influences the business and investment climate. Greater respect leads to better business and more investment. Failure to do so sends a negative message to investors. "Authorities assuming responsibility for unilateral actions that are clearly illegal is the only way to enforce the rule of law and guarantee and improve the business and investment climate," he stated.

Rafael Blanco Canto, president of CONEP, listed the four pillars necessary to guarantee greater trust, freedom, and institutionality in the democratic process. Priorities include the creation of a new Electoral Law, as the first proposed pillar, and the approval of a Political Parties Law, as the second. "The approval of a Fiscal Responsibility Law, the third pillar suggested by CONEP, as well as guaranteeing the full independence and strengthening of the institutions called upon to implement and regulate everything related to the collapsed electoral process and compliance with the laws, since regulations alone are not enough," he stated.

With the theme "Status and Perspective of Democratic Institutions in the Country," the president of CONEP affirmed that confidence in the institutions that govern elections has been eroded and that society will not allow political parties to continue dividing up the vital bodies of democracy, namely the Central Electoral Board, the Superior Electoral Tribunal, the Chamber of Accounts, and the High Courts.