There has been no official government response to US Senator’s letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that was posted on the web page of the US Senate Committee for Foreign Relations. Meanwhile, over the weekend, followers of President Danilo Medina carried out several large pro-reelection rallies in Greater Santo Domingo. Diario Libre reported that the Dominican government has downplayed the importance of the letter.
The letter from controversial US Senator Bob Menendez had asked the Secretary of State to use all his diplomatic resources to prevent President Danilo Medina from running for president again. Nevertheless, the letter did unleash responses in the Dominican Republic, especially from backers of President Medina, who called the request a violation of domestic affairs. The president of the Chamber of Deputies, Radhames Camacho, and officials and leaders of the ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) and the opposition Christian Social Reformist Party (PRSC) expressed their disagreement with the action. Camacho said that the issue of the presidential reelection, and of a constitutional amendment to enable President Medina to run again, is a decision for Dominicans to make. He described the US senator’s petition as foreign interference in local affairs.
Public Works Minister Gonzalo Castillo, who is one of the strongest supporters of an eventual reelection bid, says this is an independent country and it will do what suits the nation without external interference. “What has to happen will happen in due time. We are a republican, independent country and we will do what the people want, whatever suits the nation without interference from any internal or external agent that does not necessarily obey the best interests of the country,” he said.
Speaking for the followers of President Danilo Medina, deputy Elpidio Baez said they are just waiting for Medina to give them green light to submit the constitutional amendment to enable Medina to run for President in 2020 to the National Congress. Events were held at the Palacio de los Deportes, and the sports venues in Sabana Perdida, Santo Domingo North; Las Caobas, Santo Domingo West; Los Alcarrizos and the Parque Mirador del Este.
Meanwhile, in San Cristóbal, former President Leonel Fernández carried out a rally of his followers demanding respect for the 2015 Constitution. The 2015 Constitution was amended to enable President Danilo Medina to run for reelection in 2016.
Two recent leading polls, Asisa Research (71%) and Gallup-Hoy (68.3%), indicated the Dominican people are strongly against a third reelection.
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US Senate Foreign Relations Committee
20 May 2019