Reelection push splits ruling party deputies

Santo Domingo.- Sixty deputies who support former president Leonel Fernandez’s candidacy on Monday warned they’ll not vote for a constitutional reform which paves the way for president Danilo Medina’s reelection bid in 2016.

In a press conference at the lower Chamber the lawmakers said they oppose the decision Sunday by Dominican Republic’s ruling PLD party to submit a constitutional amendment to allow Medina to seek reelection.

PLD deputies spokesman Ruben Maldonado warned that any attempt to amend the Constitution will destroy the harmony and unity not only within the Political Committee, but also the PLD party’s rank-and-file.

"Dominican society expects that our actions don’t distance us from the historic step taken by professor Juan Bosch to leave the ranks of the PRD and create this instrument of Dominican people’s liberation," the lawmaker said. “That harmony has allowed us to rule during 16 of the last 20 years."