The 2010 Constitution was amended in 2015 to allow for then President Danilo Medina to run for a first re-election. Now his followers want Congress to amend the constitution again so he can stay in power. President Danilo Medina has said he will announce his decision regarding seeking a reelection in March 2019. The ruling PLD has majority in both houses of Congress.
During a major political event held in Santiago, the country’s second largest city, former President Leonel Fernandez urged that the government contribute to the strengthening of democracy by respecting the Constitution. Polls show Fernandez as the most popular ruling PLD party candidate into the 2020 general election.
Campaigning for the PLD nomination, Fernandez said a new government of his would start the construction of the freight and passenger train to connect Caucedo Port near the Las Americas International Airport with Bonao, La Vega, Santiago and Puerto Plata. He also announced he would expand the state university in Santiago. He promised to rescue Yaque del Norte river, build Merca-Santo Domingo wholesale market, expand and modernize Manzanillo Port, works at the Jose Maria Cabral y Baez public hospital and complete the expansion of the Navarrete-Puerto Plata highway.
In Santiago, Fernandez has received backing of Mayor Abel Martínez, who served as president of the Chamber of Deputies for many years under Fernandez administrations. Merengue legend Johnny Ventura participated in the political event opening.
Fernandez says he has the backing of 1,586,000 followers and says that by March 2019, over two million persons will have signed as supporters.
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El Caribe
10 December 2018
