A consensus was reached during talks held by the political reform subcommission of the National Dialogue for the modification of the Constitution to permit presidential re-election for two consecutive periods. Thereafter, the President would not be able to run for President again. The subcommission also voted in favor of installing mechanisms for organizing referendums and plebiscites. It was also agreed that persons only under the age of 75, and in excellent physical and mental condition, would be eligible to run for president. The National Dialogue talks being held in Santo Domingo from 23 to 25 February to define the national priorities into year 2000. During discussions of the economy subcommission, President Leonel Fernández proposed that the national budget be sent to Congress on 16 August, at the start of the second congressional legislative period of the year, and not at year’s end as has been the tradition. For the first time in modern Dominican history, the budget was sent to Congress in October. The President feels submitting the bill even earlier, in August, would give time for congressional debates, modifications, and the reaching of a consensus among political forces represented in Congress.
