NPP presents candidates for SEC chair, alternate chair

Judge Jorge Rivera Rueda

By The Star Staff

New Progressive Party (NPP) Electoral Commissioner Aníbal Vega Borges announced on Monday the presentation of nominees for the positions of chair and alternate chair of the State Elections Commission (SEC) to the representatives of the Popular Democratic Party (PDP) and the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) on the commission.

After a thorough process of interviews and evaluations, the NPP team selected Judge Jorge Rivera Rueda from the Caguas Court of First Instance for the role of chairman and Judge Cyndia Irizarry Casiano from the Arecibo Court of First Instance as alternate chairwoman.

Since the start of this year, and following the completion of the work related to the 2024 elections, the NPP Electoral Commissioner’s Office has sought qualified professionals to lead the agency responsible for upholding best practices in electoral processes and ensuring compliance with the Electoral Code.

During this period, Vega Borges conducted interviews with potential candidates, ultimately choosing Rivera Rueda and Irizarry Casiano. Both judges bring extensive experience in the legal and electoral fields, displaying determination, composure, and professionalism, the NPP Electoral Commission said.

Judge Rivera Rueda has previously held positions in Ponce. Before his current role in Caguas, he worked in the Office of the Electoral Comptroller, focusing on legal research, document filing, and providing consulting services. He also has significant experience in electoral processes, having presided over the local boards of the SEC in Aguas Buenas and Santa Isabel.

Judge Irizarry Casiano has 29 years of uninterrupted public service. For 12 years, she has specialized in domestic violence and mental health cases. She has been involved in electoral processes since the 1990s and has chaired local SEC boards in Hatillo, Morovis and Quebradillas.

Beginning Monday, the PDP and PIP commissioners have 30 days to ratify the appointments made by the NPP electoral commissioner. If they do not do so, the appointments will be forwarded to Gov. Jenniffer González Colón, who will make a determination and submit it to the legislative bodies for evaluation and subsequent voting.