Dominican Parties Ignore "Golden Rule," Complicating Municipal Council Formation

The Fuerza del Pueblo (FP) and Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) have disregarded the "golden rule" in the Dominican Republic, leading to complications in the formation of municipal councils scheduled for April 24, 2024. This development has prompted strong reactions from members of the ruling Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM).

On April 24, 2024, 158 newly elected mayors nationwide are set to be sworn in following the municipal elections held on February 18, 2024. The PRM secured a resounding victory, winning 121 mayoralties, while the PLD won 16, the FP won 6, and the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD) won 1.

Among the mayors-to-be sworn in on April 24 in the country's top 5 municipalities are Carolina Mejia (PRM), reelected for the National District; Dio Astacio (PRM), elected for Santo Domingo East; Ulises Rodriguez, elected for Santiago; Betty Geronimo, for Santo Domingo North; and Francisco Peña, reelected for a fourth term for Santo Domingo West.

In addition to the 158 mayors, 235 directors of municipal districts and other authorities elected on February 18, 2024, will also take their oaths of office for the 2024-2028 term. The February 18 election results gave the PRM and its allies a significant mayoral advantage over the RD Rescue Alliance, which consists of the PLD, FP, and PRD.

Why this matters: The disregard for the "golden rule" by the FP and PLD parties has the potential to disrupt the smooth transition of power in municipal governments across the Dominican Republic. The reactions from PRM party members underscore the political tensions surrounding this issue as the country prepares for the swearing-in ceremonies on April 24, 2024.

The PRM's overwhelming success in the February 18 municipal elections has solidified their position as the dominant political force in the Dominican Republic. As the nation awaits the swearing-in of the newly elected mayors and municipal authorities, the actions of the FP and PLD parties in ignoring the "golden rule" have added an element of uncertainty to the formation of municipal councils.

Key Takeaways

• FP and PLD disregarded "golden rule" in municipal council formation.
• PRM won 121 mayoralties, PLD 16, FP 6, PRD 1 in Feb 2024 elections.
• 158 mayors, 235 district directors to be sworn in on April 24, 2024.
• PRM's dominance solidified, but FP and PLD's actions create uncertainty.
• Political tensions surround the issue of municipal council formation.