President Hipolito Mejia has decreed an extended holiday in the DR, lasting from 12pm on Saturday, 15 May, until 6am on Monday, 17 May. Decree 420-04 justifies the decision on the grounds that many Dominicans must to travel to their hometowns to vote. Mejia also authorized free transportation on OMSA public buses on the 15 and 16 May. Several private schools will be closed from 17-19 May, while others will close as of 17 May only. Public schools, most of which become voting centers, will be closed from 12-19 May.