The internal crisis within the ruling PLD party has escalated and continues with all eyes on Congress. At least 21 deputies loyal to former President Leonel Fernandez abandoned the session in the Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday, 25 June 2019, and said they would not return until the president of the chamber, Radhamés Camacho, orders the military to leave the front of the National Congress.
The Leonelistas allege that they were mistreated on Monday by Police and military who would not allow them to put up a tarpaulin in front of Congress where those in opposition to a constitutional amendment could congregate.
The Chamber of Deputies opened the day’s session without the Leonelista legislators. On Tuesday only legislators, press and staff were allowed to enter Congress.
Ronald Sanchez, spokesman for the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) said that although the party recognizes that this is a struggle of groups within the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), the status of legislators should not be violated.
The ruling PLD party is divided by differences between followers of President Danilo Medina, who seek to reform the 2015 Constitution so that Medina can seek a third term, and those that follow former President Leonel Fernández, who also aims to be the PLD candidate in the 2020 presidential election. There is speculation those partisan to Medina would accept a deal whereby the Constitution is reformed to enable Medina to seek a third period in 2024.
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26 June 2019