Strange Things Happening In DR

I am seeing this movement in La Romana and it is all over our social media here....

Be aware what is going on and best advice for an expat is to stay clear of such protests because this is apparently a new challenge to the tribal politics of DR and the status quo.

100% correct.

El “cacerolazo” happened at 3.00 today and has started again at 6.00 in my street. A lot of people are banging pots.

Apparently this form of protest is something that is common in Latin america according to wilkepedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cacerolazo

We stayed at the Marriott at Blue Mall this week. We didn't notice anything as described; however, in the lobby of the Marriott there was a congregation of the Organization of American States, They were there observing the election process. A lot of cameras and such but nothing odd. Young people are disrupting the status quo worldwide; but I think this is a healthy aspect of democracy, even if it is a bit disconcerting.
Denise and I stay out of the politics. We understand it gets rather emotional in DR   

It isn't disconcerting but rather refreshing that young people (who are finally getting educated) in DR are demanding a proper democracy. Not one manipulated by tribal affiliations and money with nepotism and offshoots from this or that party for egoistical reasons.

DR politics stinks whether ruling party or opposition and needs to change peacefully to benefit all the people. These drawn out political campaigns for positions of power represent an absolute failure of true democracy and align with those with financial means.

9.00 pm too and many more people involved. Loads of people involved now in this small part of the city.

Yes.its all over Santo Domingo!  I have never been prouder to live.here! 

Yesterday's attempts by politicians to grab onto protests and benefit were turned down by those.angey about the status quo! 

I will emphasize if you are not a citizen, do not get involved!  It is illegal.  If someething goes wrong it could prevent you from getting or renewing residency! 

While I would very much like to support these peaceful demonstrations, it is not my right!

planner wrote:

peaceful demonstrations

In your opinion, do you think there's any chance they will become less peaceful, possible violence started by either side?

Absolutely!  That will likely happen when.opposition parties get involved!  When municipal elections were halted violence broke out and two died.

One of the reasons I am.so proud is because this has been peaceful.   

Yesterday in Santo Domingo it looked to be shifting. A popular local musician tried to take.over a location and make.it his own, he was removed.  His music apparently attracts a different,.less peaceful type.   Protestors were not having it.

lennoxnev wrote:

It isn't disconcerting but rather refreshing that young people (who are finally getting educated) in DR are demanding a proper democracy. Not one manipulated by tribal affiliations and money with nepotism and offshoots from this or that party for egoistical reasons.

DR politics stinks whether ruling party or opposition and needs to change peacefully to benefit all the people. These drawn out political campaigns for positions of power represent an absolute failure of true democracy and align with those with financial means.

Agreed. This is happening in the States to an extent. Although the push back is resulting in support of far right and far left agendas, which I guess is to be expected; human nature and all. Bernie Sanders isn't exactly moderate, and his current success parallels Trumps in '16. Anyway, don't mean to diverge into US politics, but there are some parallels. Good to see the young'uns getting involved and using their heads and not fists.

Blowing horns for ten minutes from midday today is the latest demonstration planned;

https://hoy.com.do/siguen-las-protestas … de-bocina/

Ease don't bring American or any other country politics into this.  Thanks.