Stampede in opposition party as reelection fallout spreads

Santo Domingo.- The support by the top leaders of Dominican Republic’s opposition party (PRD) for legislation which paves the way for president Danilo Medina’s reelection has unleashed a stampede of senior members of the once powerful political organization.

PRD national secretary Anibal Diaz and dozens of national and local leaders on Wednesday announced their resignation from their post and said they’ll support opposition PRM party presidential candidate Luis Abinader and join the fledgling organization.

He called PRD president Miguel Vargas’ unilateral support for Medina’s reelection, “a dismal and embarrassing act of betrayal of principles which the PRD historically defended.”

"The fact that the most voted political force in the 2012 elections with 47% has resolved to move from opposition to the government without consulting their rank and file and becomes a hinge party to support the current ruling group’s continuation is unheard of," Belliard said.

He said Vargas is “doomed to remain an empty shell” because in his view, the PRD’s true leaders will not continue in “this adventure against the principles and statutory mandates of the PRD party.”

Press relations

Yet another national PRD leader, Nelson Marte also announced his resignation as party communications director, a post he had held for several months.