Pinilla to head TE

The new judge of the Tribunal Electoral (TE) Heriberto Araúz said today, when he was sworn into office, that his mission will be to further strengthen democracy in the country. Araúz said that he also hopes to contribute to the independence of the TE and prepare for the 2014 election. On this subject, Araúz assured that general elections in 2014 are not at risk. "The citizenship can be calm," he said. Outgoing Judge Gerardo Solís said Araúz has the capacity to fill the position. "As a citizen, I will be watching for further strengthening of the country's democracy," said Solis. Solís added that he is still concerned about the next election, and said the the institutionality of the country has been weakened. To address this, he said citizens need to be engaged in the democratic process. Also today, Erasmo Pinilla was elected as the chief magistrate of the agency, which has three judges. The third judge is Eduardo Valdés Escoffery.