The Legal Advisor of the Executive Branch, Antoliano Peralta Romerosaid last night that the draft constitutional reform could change if rationality prevails, he said after a meeting with more than 50 jurists to whom he explained the content of the initiative.
“We have explained the content of the Reform and they have had the opportunity to give their opinions, we have debated some and we have taken notes on others to consider them and, if possible, incorporate them,” he said, clarifying that what has been taken into account is only form, because the content is a decision of President Luis Abinader.
He explained that he met with the lawyers to hear their opinions on the draft Constitutional Reform that President Abinader is preparing to present to the National Congress on August 16th.
“The draft can change if rationality prevails,” said Peralta Romero, after the meeting that lasted more than two hours in the council room of the National Palacewhere he reported that when it comes to transcendental norms “we listen to people, especially specialists, and today we have 55 lawyers summoned.
Peralta Romero explained to the jurists the articles that will be modified in the Constitution of the Republic, and to collect observations and suggestions with a view to strengthening this initiative.
He detailed the four focal points of the piece, which are to prevent future modifications to the constitutional rules of presidential election with a view to remaining in power beyond two terms; also the independence of the Public ministry; the reduction of the number of deputies and the unification of elections.
One of the aspects of the draft that generated the most discussion was the one related to preventing future modifications to alter the current model of presidential reelection that establishes two consecutive terms and no more.
They also expressed concern about the proposal that the Attorney General of the Republic be chosen by the National Council of the Judiciary on the recommendation of the President of the Republic; they also questioned the irremovability of the position for the entire period of government; some believed that in order to select him, a list of three or more legal professionals should be presented.
Another proposal that was based on the opinions of those present at the meeting was to reduce the number of deputies from 190 to just 137.
He added that in the coming days the dialogues with various sectors of society will continue, prior to August 16, when it will be presented to the National Congress.
Among the jurists who attended the meeting were Laura Acosta, Candido Simo, Eric Raful, Juttin Cury, Fabiola Medina, Francisco Alvarez, Marisol Vicens, Ramon Nunez, Eduardo Jorge Prats, Flavio Dario Espinal, Nassef Perdomo, Roberto Medina, Julio Cury, Patricia Santana, Carlos Salcedo, Tony Delgado, Juan M. Guerrero, Priscilla Polanco, Alejandro Pena and Victor Leon; representing the Executive Branch were Andres Astacio, Darío Castillo Lugo, Pedro Montilla and Noelia Rivera.
