Carlos Pimentel, executive director of the civic watchdog group, Citizen Participation (Participacion Ciudadana) says the Covid-19 outbreak makes it impossible to hold the election on 17 May 2020. He says the pandemic has affected numerous preparatory activities on the electoral calendar. He made the observation when interviewed by Diana Lora and Patricia Solano for La Cuestion radio talk show.
He said the Central Electoral Board (JCE) needs to coordinate events that require the physical presence of people. And the JCE needs to guarantee the safety of those that will be working at the more than 16,000 polling stations. He explained that in these times of social isolation it has been impossible to coordinate these activities.
Pimentel pointed to the difficulties in carrying out the election in New York City that is now suffering the full impact of the coronavirus. An estimated 400,000 Dominicans are eligible to vote in New York City.
He explained that the JCE has the legal right to postpone the election in consensus with the political parties. On Friday, 3 April 2020, the JCE sent out consultations to political parties. These were given five days to issue their opinions regarding the postponement.
Carlos Pimentel said that they are proposing that a first round vote be held on 12 July, and a second round vote, if necessary, to be held on 26 July. This would give sufficient time for the new authorities to be sworn in on the date established in the Constitution, that is 16 August.
Moreover, Pimentel said they are proposing that all political campaigning be suspended in order to concentrate on the pandemic. The campaign would be resumed from 14 June to 10 July. If a second-round election is needed, the campaign would take place from 14 July to 24 July.
Pimentel said the country is fortunate that the electoral regime establishes a very long transition period (from 17 May to 16 August). “This time it works in our favor and allows for rescheduling,” he said.
He said that while the 2015 Constitution establishes that presidential and congressional election will be held on 17 May, there is no need to reform the Constitution to call an extraordinary election. Pimentel clarified that the electoral regime law allows for a political agreement and political party consensus for the holding of an extraordinary election due to force majeure causes.
Pimentel said this is a decision that needs to be taken this week so that the country can concentrate on saving lives.
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Diario Libre
Diario Libre
7 April 2020