The president of the Modern Revolutionary Party, José Ignacio Paliza, warned those who are promoting no elections before 16 August that the people will not allow the government to use of the health crisis to remain in power.
“Those who promote no elections before 16 August are afraid of losing them. A fine line separates the proper handling of the health crisis and the benefits they would accrue for not holding the election,” he posted on this Twitter account.
Paliza expressed concern actions may be in the making to delay the elections beyond the 5 July 2020 for which the presidential and congressional election is rescheduled.
“Is there an order from above to use the health crisis as a new strategy to stay in power? The people will not allow it,” warned Paliza.
Since the first case was announced on 1 March 2020, there are now 5,044 persons who have tested positive for the disease using the PCR tests. As of Bulletin #33 covering up to 19 April 2020, there were 245 deaths in the Dominican Republic.
Leading polls (Gallup and Greenberg) carried out in February indicated that PRM presidential candidate Luis Abinader had a comfortable lead over ruling party PLD presidential candidate Gonzalo Castillo. The lead was sufficient for the PRM to win in a first round vote.
Compounding the present situation is whether Covid-19 spread in the US, Spain and Italy will allow for Dominican expats to vote abroad.
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Hoy
22 April 2020