Hoy newspaper reports that PRD, PLD and PRSC deputies are now openly campaigning among themselves to secure enough support to pass a bill that would contain a constitutional reform to enable them to remain in their posts for two more years. Hoy newspaper points out that the deputy responsible for the document is Cesar Emilio Peralta Velez, from Puerto Plata. Hoy says that in two years on the job he has not presented a single bill of importance, but is now very diligently lobbying for the signatures that would decide the presentation of the bill. Those in favor of the bill say that the country would save RD$1,000 million by unifying presidential and congressional elections. Jose Tomas Perez, secretary general of the PLD opposes the reform that would give present congressional incumbents a six year term. Rafaela Alburquerque, president of the Chamber of Deputies, said that if such a bill would be presented, she would include it in the agenda. Nevertheless, she said that the timing is not right, and that all political leaders should be heard prior to making the modifications.
