The president of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, decided not to extend his term despite having the necessary majority to modify the Constitution. After the proclamation of the new fundamental charter, Abinader stated that for the first time in the country's history, a president is limited to what is established in the Constitution.
The National Revisory Assembly approved the new Constitution on October 14, establishing that the number of deputies will decrease from 190 to 170 starting from the elections in May 2032. Additionally, national elections will be unified with those of parliamentary bodies from international organizations.
One of the most notable modifications is that the Attorney General of the Republic will no longer be part of the National Judiciary Council, with this position being occupied by the president of the Constitutional Court.
The Judiciary Council, led by the sitting president, will choose members of various judicial bodies in the country. The Attorney General will no longer be appointed by the Executive Power but by the Judiciary Council upon a proposal from the president.
Abinader highlighted that these modifications ensure that power is always in the hands of the people, symbolizing the end of caudillismo and continuismo, which have been antagonists of democracy in the Dominican Republic in the past.
The new Constitution also establishes that national elections will be unified starting in 2032 and grants greater independence to the Public Ministry, precisely defining its functions and limitations.
During a ceremony in the National Congress, Senator Ricardo de los Santos proclaimed the new Magna Carta in the presence of President Luis Abinader and Vice President Raquel Peña. The fortieth constitutional modification prohibits the sitting president from benefiting from constitutional amendments to remain in power beyond what is established.
Additionally, the new Magna Carta states that any future modification of the Constitution will require a referendum, even though there is currently no legislation regarding this. The National Congress will have seven legislatures to create the necessary laws to complement and regulate these constitutional reforms.
