The Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) filed a request for the Central Electoral Board (JCE) to take action to prevent the Medina administration from distributing millions in household appliances in this electoral year.
Social media and news reports have focused on evidence presented the President’s Social Plan has allotted RD$946 million for household appliances, food, and construction materials to be distributed to “needy people” during the coming months, just before the presidential elections.
Somos Pueblo, the online news portal, reported they have had evidence of purchases for RD$380,504,298 million by the President’s Social Plan for household appliances that would be donated to people with limited resources. On the list of appliances are 5,000 fans, 8,000 washing machines, 8,000 stoves, 4,800 refrigerators, 3,500 blenders, 200 electric stoves, 3,000 50-lb gas cylinders, 1,800 sheet sets, but also 6,500 smart TVs, 200 music systems, and 20 air conditioners.
Somos Pueblo points out that the new electoral law restricts this type of actions whereby the government could attempt to manipulate and influence voters.
The president of the JCE, Julio César Castaños Guzmán, when asked about the evidence recommended that the government suspend “motus proprio” the purchase and distribution of household appliances. He acknowledged this was not a priority social action and to do so at this time “could lend itself to confusion.”
Orlando Jorge Mera, delegate of the PRM to the JCE, disputed the statement. He said that Electoral Regime Law 55-19 in its Art. 196 is clear that extraordinary purchases during electoral times are banned. He called that the JCE issue a resolution calling for a stop to the purchase and distribution of the goods, instead of a mere declaration.
Iris Guaba, director of the Presidency Social Assistance Plan said the procurement of the household goods is normal and is carried out every year in February. She said last year they purchased similar goods for RD$500 million.
Read more in Spanish:
Somos Pueblo
El Dia
Listin Diario
La Cuestion
Diario Libre
Diario Libre
El Nuevo Diario
El Nuevo Diario
6 February 2020