The Central Electoral Board (JCE) is concerned about what they call premature electoral campaigning being carried out by presidential hopefuls, especially since the general elections are not scheduled until 2020.
The JCE in a press release says the campaigning is too early and outside of the purview of electoral law. There are 2-1/2 years to go for the municipal elections and two years and nine months for the election of the President, Vice President and legislators.
In a press release signed by the JCE judges, the election-organizing entity, states calls for the parties to put a stop to this premature practice of some aspiring candidates. The JCE is in charge of the timing and costs of campaigns. Nevertheless, the electoral law does not contain penalties for early campaigning.
In recent weeks, former President Hipólito Mejía and former PRM presidential candidate Luis Abinader have reportedly held PRM activities focusing on their intention to run again in 2020. On Sunday, 20 August 2017, Mejia was in La Romana and Abinader was in Barahona, both at meetings with party members.
Likewise, regarding the ruling PLD party, followers of former President Leonel Fernández have also being campaigning for him and there is a video circulating in social media pushing for President Danilo Medina to run again for President in 2020. Likewise, the Medina administration spends millions every month of taxpayers’ money to promote the achievements of the government. Medina supporters want him to again change the Constitution so he can run for a third term.
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El Dia
7 Dias
22 August 2017
