Santo Domingo.– President Luis Abinader highlighted this Sunday the recent constitutional reform, stating that this decision demonstrates his commitment to a democratic vision that responds to the highest interests of the country. “The nation and the people are above any president,” the president stressed during the proclamation of the new Constitution in the National Congress, accompanied by the president of the Senate, Ricardo de los Santos, and the president of the Chamber of Deputies, Alfredo Pacheco.
«With this Constitution, the country moves towards greater constitutional stability. Those who doubted this was possible must now take my word for it, as a president with a majority in Congress has chosen to limit his own power. This is a clear act of democratic commitment,” emphasized Abinader, who also promised to continue working for the well-being of Dominicans and improving their quality of life.
«There is no greater honor than serving this country and having the trust of Dominicans. We will always work for the well-being that the country demands of us,” said the president.
Abinader described the Constitution as “the soul of the people and its cornerstone,” and recalled that the Dominican Republic has gone through 36 constitutional reforms throughout its history.
“Many reforms in the past made it easier for a single person to dominate the country and remain in power,” said the president, highlighting that one of the goals of this new reform is to protect democratic alternation. “For this reason, we have implemented a clause that prevents any politician from remaining in power beyond what is established,” he said.
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Protection of Alternation and Judicial Independence
One of the pillars of this reform is the expansion of article 268, which guarantees that the presidential election is an unchangeable right and enshrines the alternation of power as a fundamental principle. “With this measure, no president, present or future, will be able to alter the election rules to his benefit,” said the president.
Furthermore, the new scheme prevents the current president from opting for re-election, thus reinforcing the commitment to institutional stability and the limitation of power. Abinader He also presented a proposal to modify the selection of the Attorney General and deputy attorneys, designating this responsibility to the National Council of the Judiciary to ensure independent justice and free of political influences.
“An independent Public Ministry ensures that the law has no owner, that privileges cannot be hidden behind power, and that no citizen is above justice,” he said.
Other Key Changes in the Constitution
Abinader also mentioned that starting in 2032 the elections will be unified, and the number of representatives in the Chamber of Deputies will be reduced. According to him, these measures will contribute to a more efficient political system and public representation in accordance with the needs of the country.
Commitment to Democracy for All
The president concluded by reaffirming his commitment to transparency, justice and respect for democratic principles. «This constitutional change is not just a procedure; “It represents the will of a country that deserves a quality democracy, where power is a responsibility and not a personal privilege,” he said, urging future leaders to strengthen the progress and well-being of all Dominicans.
With this reform, the Dominican Republic takes a firm step towards a future of greater institutions and justice, sending a clear message: the country is above any government, and the citizens are above any president. This proclamation marks a milestone in Dominican history, reaffirming its commitment to a solid and lasting democracy for generations to come.
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