Representative Rafael Castillo calls the proposal to reduce signatures for independent candidates contradictory

The spokesperson for the Fuerza del Pueblo in the Chamber of Deputies, Rafael Castillo, described as “contradictory and incongruent” the proposal of the president of the Central Electoral Board (JCE), Román Jáquez, to modify the signature requirement for independent candidacies, suggesting that the 2% required be calculated based on the valid votes cast and not on the general electoral roll.

During statements to the press, Castillo warned that this modification could weaken the role of political parties in Dominican democracy, by excessively facilitating the registration of independent candidacies.

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“If in a constituency only 7,000 people vote, 2% would be only 140 signatures. That is not consistent with what is required of political parties, which must gather support throughout the national territory in order to be legalized,” argued the legislator.

Castillo maintained that the measure could become an incentive for political actors to abandon established organizations and choose to run as independents. As an example, he cited the case of his municipality, Santo Domingo Este, where in the most recent elections only 40% of the electorate went to the polls.

“The party system is the cornerstone of democracy. This proposal goes against its strengthening,” the congressman stated.

The JCE chairman’s proposal has generated diverse reactions in the political sphere, touching on a sensitive point regarding the rules of access to the electoral process and the balance between citizen participation and institutional order.