Current, former presidents jockey to control Dominican Republic’s ruling party

Santo Domingo.- Six of the eight leaders of Dominican Republic’s ruling party (PLD) expected to form part of the Political Committee, its highest echelon, belong to the group linked to president Danilo Medina, who also wrestled control of the organization’s Central Committee, from former president Leonel Fernandez.

It’s the second time in just one month that Fernandez and Medina wage a subtle battle for the PLD’s leadership, by seeking to bring "their people" to the party’s most influential posts.

Among the most controversial issues facing the PLD is the possible entry in the Political Committer of Senator Félix Bautista, one of Fernandez’s closest collaborators, and who faces at least two cases of alleged corruption.

The Political Committee is slated to meet Tuesday evening to choose eight members from the Central Committee’s 35 candidates, while the promotions of vice president Margarita Cedeño and Chamber of Deputies president Abel Martínez are expected to be ratified.

The Political Committee’s membership will increase from 25 to 35, with the individual and secret vote of the Central Committee’s 625 members.