The PLD still does not have any official presidential pre-candidates even though several of its members have major promotional campaigns in place for their nominations. According to party rules, the approval of 33% of the 400 members of the party Central Committee is needed for a person to be a pre-candidate.
So far the campaigns for presidential candidacy have not been declared formally open or for other roles including senators, deputies or mayors, but there is already intense political activity even though there are still more than two and a half years to go until the elections.
Economy, Planning and Development Minister Temistocles Montas and Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia have publically proclaimed their presidential aspirations, have campaigns in place, are speaking to the press and meeting with party activists.
Lawyer Hipolito Polanco Perez announced his plans to be nominated as a Presidential pre-candidate on October 10 and Senator Jose Rafael Vargas announced former President Leonel Fernandez’s candidacy this week, reportedly without his public consent.
Senate president Reinaldo Pared Perez is talking to the press even though he has not made a public announcement and Vice President Margarita Cedeno is thought to be weighing her options.
Attorney General Francisco Dominguez Brito, Sports Minister Jaime David Fernandez Mirabal, Radhames Segura and Jose Tomas Perez are also thought to be considering announcing their desire to be nominated as presidential pre-candidates.