Tension in the ANPA: Agricultural Union Force denounces obstacles to registering its slate
The Agricultural Guild Force has raised its voice in protest against what they consider deliberate obstacles to formalizing their registration for the upcoming elections of the National Association of Agricultural Professionals (ANPA), scheduled for next September 9th. In a direct call to the National Electoral Commission, the movement demands that the process be governed strictly by the institution’s internal statutes and regulations.
José Vásquez, who leads the presidential bid for this movement, denounced during a press conference that the electoral commission has imposed requirements that exceed its legal powers, creating an uneven playing field for the competitors. According to Vásquez, these conditions have not been applied equitably to other groups, which hinders the officialization of his proposal.
Irregularities in the registry and lack of transparency
Beyond the requirements for the candidacy, the Agricultural Guild Force has pointed out critical deficiencies in the organization of the process, among which the following stand out:
- Lack of access to the association’s amended bylaws for members.
- Inconsistencies in the electoral roll, where union members do not appear registered, limiting their right to vote.
- Administrative difficulties for professionals to regularize their outstanding dues.
Agricultural professionals and technicians must have the same conditions to exercise the right to vote and run for leadership positions. We will not allow the rights of our membership to be violated.
José Vásquez, candidate for the presidency of the ANPA.
Questioning the current management
The union leader linked these irregularities to the interests of the current National Executive Committee and the possible intention to perpetuate Tito Hernández in the presidency. Vásquez warned that the continuation of the current board under these conditions could contravene the rules that regulate the rotation and internal democracy of the ANPA.
Given this scenario, the union movement has requested an immediate review of the measures adopted by the National Electoral Commission. Vásquez emphasized that, if a satisfactory response is not obtained within the internal instances, the movement does not rule out resorting to the legal mechanisms of the Dominican Republic to guarantee its participation and defend the rights of its members in the upcoming elections.
As of the closing of this report, neither the National Electoral Commission, nor the ANPA National Executive Committee, nor Tito Hernández have issued an official response to the allegations made by the Agricultural Union Force.
