Dominican president hints at possible run for third term

Leaders of President Leonel Fernandez's party have been promoting his candidacy while lobbying for constitutional reform that would allow him to run next year. They presented Fernandez Sunday with a petition apparently signed by 2.2 million people calling for his re-election in the Caribbean nation of 6.3 million registered voters.

Fernandez, who is serving his second consecutive term, said he would let leaders of his Dominican Liberation Party decide on his possible candidacy in the 2012 election.

“I have been and I am a soldier of the Dominican Liberation Party. I put forth these 2.2 million signatures, that are 2.2 million votes, so that the party decides,” Leonel Fernandez said.

The current constitution — adopted in January 2010 under an agreement between Fernandez and the main opposition party — limits presidents to two consecutive four-year terms. However, they are permitted to serve again after skipping an election cycle.

Ruling party officials say the constitution, which has been revised numerous times, should be updated to allow Fernandez to restart the clock and run for a third consecutive term.

The Dominican Republic restricted re-elections in the mid-1990s to prevent repeat campaigns in the style of former President Joaquin Balaguer, who held power for more than two decades and was known for jailing critics. Allegations of fraud were widespread during his tenure.

The Dominican Revolutionary Party, the country's main opposition party, recently nominated former President Hipolito Mejia as its presidential candidate for 2012.

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

PrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email