Thousands in the Dominican Republic took to the streets of the capital Santo Domingo Thursday to protest the abrupt suspension of local elections earlier this month and to commemorate the country’s Independence Day.

Protests have been ongoing since February 16, after the government suspended the municipal elections four hours after voting began, alleging there were “technical glitches” in the electronic ballot machines used.

The machines were previously used in October 2019, and they cost the Dominican government $19 million. The Dominican people believe the alleged technical glitch is just an attempt by the ruling party, the Dominican Liberation Party, to hold onto power as they’ve lost support.

Protesters are now demanding an independent investigation into what happened in the local elections, as well as for the resignation of Dominican election board officials.

Dozens of solidarity protests have emerged around the world, from Spain and France to New Jersey and here in New York City.

Democracy Now! gets an update from Amanda Alcántara, Dominican-American journalist and digital media editor at “Latino USA.”

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