The direct relationship with the United States of America is evident in
the nature of Puerto Rico's internal politics. The three major
political parties are:
Popular Democratic Party (Partido Popular Democrático -
telephone (787) 725-1992) - has received between 45% and 48% of the votes in recent elections. The PPD favors a continuation -with improvements- of the Commonwealth
relationship with the United States. Aníbal Acevedo Vilá, PPD, is the present governor of Puerto Rico. Acevedo was Resident Commissioner in the 2001-2004 electoral term.
Aníbal Acevedo Vilá has admitted, as of late June 2007, that he is being investigated by a Grand Jury for illegal campaign contributions when he was running for Resident Commissioner. He has stated, though, that he expects to be the PPD candidate for Governor in the 2008 elections. William Miranda Marín, current Mayor of the City of Caguas, has stated, also as of late June 2007, that he is available as the PPD candidate for Governor if Aníbal Acevedo Vilá should not run.
The New Progressive Party (Partido Nuevo Progresista - telephone
(787) 721-1992) - has also received between 45% and 48% of the votes in recent elections. The PNO favors becoming a state of the union (between
45% and 48% of voters). Pedro Rosselló, governor from 1993 to 2000, is the PNP's candidate. Dr. Rossselló's prior terms were tainted with the worst plague of political corruption in modern political history in Puerto Rico. Many members of his previous cabinets are currently serving stiff prison sentences on various charges of political corruption.
Luis Fortuño, Resident Commissioner now, will challenge Pedro Rosselló in primaries for the 2008 elections.
Puerto Rico Independence Party (Partido Independentista
Puertorrique–o - telephone (787) 782-1455) - favors total political
independence and a friendly political relation with the United States of America. Rubén Berríos, the party president, has been the PIP's candidate for governor on many occassions. He has stated publicly that he will not be a candidate in the 2008 elections. Edwin Irizarry Mora has announced his intention to run for Governor in the 2008 elections. With only about 5% of the electorate, the PIP has the potential to influence the results of elections by crossing party lines and favoring any of the other candidates.
Puertorriqueños por Puerto Rico (Puertorriqueños por Puerto Rico - telephone
(787-622-0003)
Founded in 2003, Partido Puertorriqueños por Puerto Rico was certified by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico State Electoral Commission in May 2007.
Due to the fact that the two major political parties share
approximately equal portions of the total vote, many times it is
actually the vote of the minority Independence party and unaffiliated voters that makes the
significant difference in elections, status plebiscites and
referendums.
Ruben Berríos, PIP Candidate for Governor in 2004
Control of the Puerto Rican government has been shared by the PPD and the PNP throughout most recent history.
The political climate is stable.
Aníbal Acevedo, PPD, current Governor
Elections are held every four years, to coincide with U.S.
Presidential elections. Residents of Puerto Rico do not vote for
the President of the United States. They may, however, elect a
Resident Commissioner who will represent the People of Puerto Rico
in U.S. Congress, via the House of Representatives.
Pedro Rosselló, PNP Candidate for Governor
Puerto Rico has one of the highest records of voter participation in
election processes in the world. Registered voters, 18 years or
older, number around 2,700,000. As many as 86% of the total
registered voters have participated in recent elections. The
electoral process is supervised by the Puerto Rico Electoral
Commission (Comisión Estatal de Elecciones). They may be reached
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM at (787) 724-4979.
Rogelio Guerra, PPR Candidate for Governor
It is said in harmless fun that the favorite sport and pastime of
the Puerto Rican people is politics. Partisan politics seems to
permeate most aspects of daily life. The newcomer to Puerto Rico
often finds himself somehow a part of the game.
If you cannot find the information you need, and we will try to help you find it.
|