The much discussed Bill on Political Parties, Groups and Movements was not submitted as expected by the Senate on 25 April 2018. The Senate signed off on the bill that incorporates the controversial rule that requires all political parties to hold simultaneous open primaries to choose their presidential candidates for the 2020 general election. The bill is supported by legislators loyal to President Danilo Medina. However, PLD members who back the potential candidacy of former President Leonel Fernandez in 2020 are less than enthusiastic supporters of the proposed law.
The president of the Chamber of Deputies, Ruben Maldonado said he would announce when the bill reaches the lower house.
El Nacional newspaper reports that the Senate has another week to send the legislation to the Chamber of Deputies according to Article 180 of the Senate Rules. The article in the El Nacional points out that there it is possible that the arrival of the legislation to the lower chamber may be delayed. However, the general opinion seems to be that it will be sooner rather than later that the bill will reach the Chamber of Deputies.
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Diario Libre
El Nacional
26 April 2018
