Dominican Republic political leadership requires professional training

There is a growing call for the renewal of political leadership in the Dominican Republic, emphasizing that aspiring to elective offices—such as mayor, deputy, senator, or president—should not be treated as a mere trend or desire. A significant number of current candidates lack the necessary professional, economic, political, or social training required to fulfill their duties effectively.

Political parties are urged to establish political schools to train new candidates. Concerns have been raised that parties often select individuals based on their financial resources rather than merit, sometimes displacing legitimate representatives with figures who may have ties to criminal elements.

Effective candidates, particularly for mayoral positions, should possess managerial skills, including knowledge of administration, budget preparation, municipal law (Law 176-07), participatory budgeting, transparency, and accountability. Furthermore, leaders should be well-versed in the National Development Strategy 2030 and key national indicators such as poverty maps, unemployment, illiteracy, and maternal mortality rates.