Political parties have been known to contribute little to the well being of Dominicans in general when compared to their high cost that continues to be an increasing burden to society. A bill that would set rules for their use of public money has sat through five legislatures, despite a pact signed by the leading political parties with civil society, and international organizations. All efforts seem to meet with the same response: “the bill will be approved this year”.
Political analyst Freddy Angel Castro says that if the PRD continues to focus on its internal division and does not press for the approval of the initiative it is most likely that the 2016 elections will take place without the new ruling. The reason: the ruling PLD party is majority in Congress and is comfortable with the present political and electoral scheme, says Castro. The bill has languished in Congress now for 14 years. It was first presented in 1999 by the Presidential Commission for the Reform and Modernization of the State with the backing of the Central Electoral Board (JCE) and organizations of the civil society under the first government of former President Leonel Fernandez.
La ley de partidos está en el limbo tras 14 años de discusión y 26 legislaturas