Dominican Electoral Board Officials' Spain Trip Cost $33,000 for 40-Hour Training

Two top officials from the Dominican Republic's Central Electoral Board (JCE) incurred significant expenses for a cybersecurity training program in Spain, with their travel and per diems alone costing the institution $33,294. The officials, Hirayda Fernández and Samir Chami Isa, participated in the Cybersecurity Summer BootCamp held in León, Spain, from July 12 to July 26, 2025.

During their stay, both members received 15 days of per diems, amounting to $12,000 each, for a total of $24,000. This was calculated at a rate of $800 per day. In addition to the per diems, airfare costs were also covered by the JCE. Fernández's ticket cost $4,649.74, and Chami Isa's cost $4,644.53, bringing the total for airfare to $9,294.27. The combined documented cost for the trip reached $33,294.27.

The Cybersecurity Summer BootCamp itself ran from July 14 to July 24, offering specialized itineraries of 40 hours. While the full program comprised 200 hours across five itineraries, each participant focused on a 40-hour module. Dividing the total disbursed amount by the 40 hours of training reveals an institutional cost of $832.36 per instructional hour for the two JCE members. Individually, Fernández's trip cost $16,649.74, or $416.24 per hour, while Chami Isa's trip cost $16,644.53, or $416.11 per hour. These figures exclusively cover per diems and airfare, excluding any other potential associated expenses.

The officials arrived in Spain two days before the boot camp began and departed two days after it concluded. This extended stay meant the JCE recognized 15 days of per diems for an 11-day program. The training, focused on strengthening capabilities against cyber threats, is particularly relevant given the increasing reliance on technology in electoral processes. However, the substantial cost of this trip has drawn attention to the JCE's approved financial conditions for official travel.