The Modern Revolutionary Party’s (PRM) pre-candidate, former President Hipólito Mejía, has spoken in favor of constitutional reform. Even so, speaking for the PRM, Ulises Rodríguez says that the party has met and decided the time is not right to modify the Constitution.
Rodríguez said that the convening of the National Constitutional Assembly could bring about a political crisis such as that which occurred when President Danilo Medina attempted the amendment to be able to run for office in 2020.
“In the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) it was agreed not to touch the Constitution now. The Constitution should not be modified to satisfy particular interests. We believe that when this is going to occur it should by consensus of all sectors of the country,” said the legislator. He added that the reform that was attempted created a crisis and the work of Congress was paralyzed because they wanted to do it by force. If you try again that way there could be a problem again.”
Rodríguez is a deputy and pre-candidate for senator for the PRM.
Support for constitutional amendment has come primarily from followers of President Danilo Medina in the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD). Political analysts say that on the table are amendments that would enable Medina to run again for eight more years as of 2024. Others mention that the outcome of the municipal elections could affect how people vote in the congressional and presidential election. Moreso, there are others who say this would be an opportunity for Congress to lower the 50%+1 vote that is needed to win in a first round.
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El Nacional
11 September 2019