In a video broadcast on social media, Abinader announced that he accepts the request of the ANJE, a group that on March 7 last transmitted the invitation to the candidates of the major political parties, to the first magistracy.

In this way, the president and candidate for a second term for the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) became the first presidential candidate to say yes.

“Many have advised me that it is not necessary to participate since I am in a comfortable electoral position and also because by law we are not obliged to do so,” the President of the Republic said.

However, he assured that he accepts the invitation “… because debating is not an obligation, but it is an act of responsibility towards our democracy and all of you”.

He explained that he is willing to contrast his ideas, proposals, and works of government under the rules established by the Association.

The Association invited Abinader, of the PRM, Abel Martinez, of the Dominican Liberation (PLD), and Leonel Fernandez, of Fuerza del Pueblo (FP), who will have until March 20 to confirm their attendance and accept the rules of the discussion with a view to the May 19 elections.

José Nelton González, president of the ANJE, explained that the exchange of opinions will take place on April 24, from 20:00 hours until 22:00 hours local time, in the Horacio Álvarez Saviñón auditorium of the Universidad Pedro Henríquez Ureña.

Among the media that will support the transmission and coverage of the electoral debate are Grupo de Comunicaciones Corripio, with its media Telesistema Canal 11, Teleantillas Canal 2, Coral 39, La Nota Diferente 95.7 FM, HUB, newspapers Listín Diario, Hoy, El Dia and El Nacional.

More than eight million Dominicans are summoned to the presidential and congressional elections on May 19 to elect 264 positions.

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