Jorge Frías's Seat Vacant: How Will His Replacement Be Chosen?

The Chamber of Deputies in the Dominican Republic now has a vacant seat following the death of Jorge Frías, a representative for the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) from Santo Domingo Este. Frías, 67, passed away due to health issues at the Center for Diagnosis, Advanced Medicine, and Telemedicine (Cedimat). He was serving his third term as a deputy, having first taken office on August 16, 2024.

Frías had a long political career, beginning as a councilman for the National District City Council from 1994 to 2002. He then served two consecutive terms in the Chamber of Deputies from 2002 to 2010, representing the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD). His political journey was marked by his connection to grassroots supporters and his alignment with the ideals of the late PRD leader José Francisco Peña Gómez, whom he considered his mentor.

According to the Dominican Constitution, Article 77, a vacant seat in the Chamber of Deputies is not automatically filled by a substitute or the next highest vote-getter. Instead, the Chamber must select a replacement from a list of three candidates, known as a "terna," submitted by the superior body of the political party that nominated the deceased legislator. In Frías's case, the PRM is responsible for presenting this list.

If the PRM fails to submit the list within 30 days of the vacancy occurring while Congress is in session, or within the first 30 days of the next session if Congress is in recess, the Chamber of Deputies itself will choose the successor. The Constitution does not specify the selection mechanism or candidate pool if the party defaults on its obligation.

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I dedicate this candidacy to my eternal leader José Francisco Peña Gómez, I will not disappoint him, we are going to win.