The top echelons of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) and the People’s Force were not present for the announcement of an alliance of these parties with their long time ally, the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD). The president of the PRD and presidential candidate for that party, Miguel Vargas Maldonado made the announcement in a 15-minute press conference on Monday, 21 August 2023.
A former Minister of Foreign Relations Miguel Vargas Maldonado during the PLD government of Danilo Medina and former Minister of Public Works during the government of former President Hipolito Mejia, lead the activity that was named Opposition Alliance for the Salvaging of the Dominican Republic.
The political alliance would have a reach for the municipal, legislative and presidential candidates. The municipal elections are scheduled for 18 February 2024 and the Presidential Elections for 19 May 2024.
Vargas Maldonado expects the presidential candidate’s election to require a second round. He said the parties would back the alliance candidate that receives the most votes. In the Dominican Republic, 50%+1 is needed to win in a first round.
Vargas Maldonado celebrated the alliance with the secretary generals of the Dominican Liberation Party, Charlie Mariotti, and Antonio Florian for the FP. They announced the leaders of their parties backed the agreement.
The parties agreed to present single senator candidates for Hato Mayor, Barahona and Hermanas Mirabal province. In La Romana, the PRD will present a single candidate with the PLD.
Vargas Maldonado announced merges of candidacies in 86 city governments and 150 municipal districts. He said this represents the three parties joining forces in 60% of the national territory.
In an editorial on Tuesday, 22 August 2023, Diario Libre wonders what kind of alliance this is if the three leaders of the signing political parties — FP president Leonel Fernandez, PLD president Danilo Medina and PLD presidential candidate Abel Martinez — could not agree to get together to attend the announcement.
Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre
Diario Libre
22 August 2023