Prominent group questions selection of Supreme Court Justice in transition

Santo Domingo. – Institutionalism and Justice Foundation (FINJUS) spokesman Servio Tulio Castaños on Monday said president Leonel Fernandez has every right to convene the National Judicial Council (CNM) to select a Justice to fill the Supreme Court’s vacant bench, but "what must be questioned is whether it is prudent at a time when the country goes through a transition process."

"That call is legal, it would be prudent to analyze whether a transition to convene the Council, but that it’s legal is legal, as President he can do it, to be sure ir’s the prerogative of the president,"

He said there’s a reality of the Supreme Court vacancy and although he doesn’t criticize an election during a transition, it should comply with requirements and contribute to a better performance in that branch of government.

Castaños listed integrity and ability as essential conditions a candidate to Justice must meet. “Everything having to do with the CNM is purely political, therefore politics will never be absent in this type of call."