Shock, indignation, lack of transparency and leaving the investigation of the reasons for the electronic glitch in the automated voting equipment to the discredited Attorney General Office has motivated thousands to protest on the afternoon and evening of Wednesday, 19 February 2020. The previous day, the protest in front of the Central Electoral Board (JCE) was dispersed by tear gas.
In the Dominican Republic, young people are known for their apathy in politics. But now thousands are outraged and feel their presence in the demonstrations nationwide is a way of contributing to the Dominican Republic not becoming a Venezuela.
The main demonstrations are taking place in front of the JCE offices at the Plaza de la Bandera, next to the Ministry of Defense.
Journalist Altagracia Salazar highlighted the discipline demonstrated by the young people that filled the area in front of the Ministry of Defense and Central Electoral Board (JCE). She highlighted there was no garbage in the area, and when the thousands were told to sit for a drone photo, all did so. The young people are covering the mobilizations in their language. There are extensive video clips on social media on the outrage and protests.
There were youth protests in many other leading cities. This, too, is extensively covered on social media. The protests are also by the Dominican community abroad. Bachata singer Romeo Santos joined his voice to the protests.
Young people are the largest voting segment in the Dominican Republic.
The US Embassy reports that the recent suspension of the municipal elections has resulted in the protests that it says could continue up to the rescheduled elections on 15 March. The US Embassy tells American citizens to take note that the protests can disrupt traffic and should be avoided as they have the potential to become confrontational quickly. It called for these areas to be avoided, to monitor local media for updates, to avoid crowds and demonstrations, keep a low profile, notify friends and family of travel plans and be aware of surroundings.
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20 February 2020