Abinader to head ruling party amid statute reforms

President Luis Abinader is poised to assume the presidency of the ruling Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) this Sunday, August 9, during the party's Delegate Assembly. Abinader is set to be chosen as the leader of the officialist organization through a single slate, marking a significant moment as the head of state takes direct control of his party's leadership.

If elected, Abinader will succeed José Ignacio Paliza, who has led the PRM since 2018. This move allows Abinader to simultaneously hold the nation's presidency and lead the dominant political party. To facilitate this dual role, the PRM has approved a partial reform of its statutes. This reform eliminates the position of executive coordinator of the party's presidency, transferring those operational functions to the first executive vice president. This structural change is intended to enable Abinader to focus more intently on his governance responsibilities.

Further adjustments to the party's structure include a reduction in the term for elected authorities from four to two years, effective from this Sunday's election. However, after the national elections in 2028, these terms will revert to the standard four-year period. The reform also modifies the selection process for vice presidents, ensuring their distribution is proportional to the votes received by the winning presidential slate.

Significant changes are also anticipated for the general secretariat, currently held by Carolina Mejía, the mayor of the National District. While names like Jean Luis Rodríguez and deputy Eugenio Cedeño were previously considered, Juan Garrigó Mejía, son of former president Hipólito Mejía and the current mayor, has emerged as a strong possibility for the role. Gloria Reyes is being considered for the organization secretariat. The election process, as outlined by the National Internal Elections Commission, involves the approval of candidates by national committee delegates, primarily through acclamation for key positions.