In future elections, political parties will benefit from the new electoral bill that is only pending presidential approval for its passage. Last night, the Senate approved the bill that reforms the Electoral Law and provides governmental subsidies for political campaigns. The bill establishes an official subsidy for political organizations equivalent to 0.5% of tax income during the years in which elections are held and 4% in the other years. The bill was originally submitted by the Junta Central Electoral, the organization in charge of the elections, and was unanimously approved by the 25 senators present in the session. As a result of the passing of the bill, there will be an increase in the number of women involved in politics. The bill establishes that 25% of the political candidacies of the parties must go to women. Dominican organizers of elections will have to prepare for the vote of Dominicans abroad, as the new bill establishes that these may vote in the presidential elections as of May 16, 2000. As of the election of year 2002, votes for deputies and municipal officers will be cast by electoral district and not per party, as at present. Seventy-five percent of the political campaign subsidy will be distributed in the proportion of votes obtained by each party, alliance, or political coalition in the past two general elections. The funds will be delivered 10 days after the closing date for the presentation of candidacies. The remaining 25% will be handed by the government in equal parts to the political parties or alliances as approved by the JCE no later than 10 days after the closing date for the presentation of candidacies. The bill also provides for an additional contribution of 25% of the total funds awarded for the election in the case the election requires a second round to be distributed among the two parties, alliances or coalitions.
