Santo Domingo.-The Central Electoral Board (JCE) formally issued a notice to the Fuerza del Pueblo (FP) party after the massive “People’s March” held on November 30, considering that the activity may have exceeded the limits of the right to social protest and bordered on acts of early electoral propaganda.
In a document issued by the Plenary, the JCE recalled that it respects the fundamental right of assembly and demonstration, but stressed that said exercise must be developed within the constitutional and legal framework and, especially, in harmony with the current electoral regulations.
The institution pointed out that the march, publicly promoted by Fuerza del Pueblo through its official channels, clearly used the name, colors, symbols and slogans of the party, in addition to exhibiting the active participation of leaders and militants wearing party symbols.
According to the electoral body, these elements “together could configure acts of a political-partisan nature that would exceed the neutral exercise of the right to social protest,” which is supported by the wide dissemination of images on social networks and the media.
The Central Electoral Board recalled that social demonstrations cannot be confused or merged with campaign or pre-election campaign events before the officially authorized dates. This, he explained, is essential to preserve equity between political organizations.
In that sense, he warned that the observed conduct could compromise the administrative responsibility of Fuerza del Pueblo and its leaders, by virtue of the provisions of article 308, paragraphs 4 and 5, of Law 20-23 of the Electoral Regime.
These regulations sanction those who organize rallies, demonstrations or public meetings outside the authorized periods with fines of one (1) to two hundred (200) minimum wages.
As an initial measure and in compliance with the preventive role of the electoral body, the JCE decided to formally notify the People’s Force to “immediately” adopt the necessary provisions to prevent future social activities from being interpreted as early electoral propaganda.
Sanctions
– Warning
The Plenary of the Board warned that, if this summons is not addressed or if new facts are verified, the Administrative Sanctions Unit will be seized, which could lead to fines of up to 200 salaries.
Sanctions Unit will intervene if you do not comply
Warning. The Plenary warned that, if this summons is not addressed or if new facts are verified, the Administrative Sanctions Unit will be seized, which could lead to fines of up to 200 minimum wages, as established by law.
The communication emphasizes that this intimation is based on article 13 of the Regulation of the Administrative Electoral Sanctioning Procedure, which allows the electoral body to warn and require adjustments of conduct before initiating a formal sanctioning process.
The leadership of the People’s Force has not commented regarding the summons from the Central Electoral Board.
