The new operations director for the Gonzalo Castillo presidential campaign, Santiago Mayor Abel Martínez defended the use of donating propane gas in city streets as a tactic to gain voters. He said the accusations against the practice have been made by the opposition, the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), in its desperation to gain votes.
Martínez was recently named operations director for the Castillo campaign. Castillo is running for president for the ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD).
During an interview on “Esta Noche con Mariasela” on 3 June 2020, the mayor of Santiago admitted to the ploy but denied it is illegal nor that the action violates the propane gas vending and the hydrocarbon regulations in the country and the new social distancing health guidelines. Martínez says what is prohibited is selling and not the donating of propane gas. He says the propane gas is being distributed with all the adequate safety regulations.
During the video, Martínez spoke with pride about how he had used firetrucks to ensure that Santiago residents kept the ruled distances when queuing up to enter shops and banks in the city.
The opposition party, Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) has submitted a motion for the Central Electoral Board (JCE) to order a stop to the illegal campaign action.
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4 June 2020