President Danilo Medina had always stated that he was in government for the four-year term for which he was elected. The 2010 Constitution bans consecutive presidential re-election.
During a one-hour-and-a-half press conference for journalists covering the Presidency held at the Presidential Palace on the occasion of the second anniversary of the Medina administration yesterday, Tuesday, 19 August 2014, President Medina nevertheless left open the possibility of his seeking re-election, but stated he would do what the party decided. Earlier in the press conference, he had clearly stated that his three daughters opposed his seeking a consecutive term.
He explained that he is two years from the end of his government and that it is normal for the subject of re-election to come up. In the past, despite the constitutional mandate, other Presidents have sought to make changes to the Constitution to allow them to seek re-election. At present, posters are on display across the country and groups are campaigning for his re-election. At this two-year point in government, President Medina is said to have an unprecedented 80-90% popularity rate.
“I believe that I should adhere to the term, and once the time is right, I will issue my opinion, if it is still required on the matter,” the President told journalists.
In the same press conference, Medina said he is a PLD party man and would honor the mandates of the party.
Answering a question earlier in the press conference on the effects of the Presidency on his family, he told reporters:
“I come from politics. I got involved in politics as a teenager; I was in politics with FUSD at the UASD. When I got married I was already a legislator, a member of the PLD Central Committee.”
He explained that when his daughters were born he was an absent father, but his daughters participated in his presidential political campaign through a youth group. Nevertheless, he said his three daughters don’t want their father to continue as President. They are not power-inclined and do not like to be the center of attention. He said that his family accepts him, and knows he has a commitment and wants to do well.
“I didn’t reach the Presidency as a novice. I came with a lot of experience. I had been a deputy for 10 years, president of the Chamber of Deputies. I knew the country and politics. On two occasions I had been minister of the Presidency. That is why I was able to get started right away. I am aware of the responsibility I have and what is expected of a President – greater levels of responsibility and commitment to the people. Not everyone is collectively inclined. Most of the population has eyes only for their individual interests. One has to serve both, and know what is paramount,” he said.
See the complete press conference at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHi5E2KdEXY