PENNSYLVANIA, United States. – The Federal District Court of the Eastern District based in Pennsylvania has cited the Dominican government, the Central Electoral Board (JCE) ( Junta Central Electora), and the Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in New York as part of a lawsuit filed by former overseas congressional candidate Yomare Polanco, who alleges he was the victim of fraud in the 2020 elections.
Albert Robles, the plaintiff’s lawyer, explained that the citation, made through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX), is an exception to federal immunity, as these three institutions refused to process the orders.
THE DEFENDANTS
The case also includes several members of the Dominican Liberation Party and representatives of the JCE as co-defendants.
Polanco accuses them under the US R.I.C.O. law of sabotaging the 2020 election day for their own benefit.
The secretary of the federal court, George V. Wylesol, said the citation was sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic through the US government’s delivery company, Federal Express (FedEx), as requested by the Kolman Law PC law firm, headed by renowned Pennsylvania-based attorney Timothy M. Kolman.
Robles explained that the summons is not properly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but from the country as a whole. However, it was sent to MIREX because it is the entity that officially represents the Dominican Republic in foreign affairs involving the Dominican State.
“The country, the JCE, and the consulate are being cited because they represent the Dominican Republic abroad,” he added.
He clarified that the citation and the date begin when the recipient receives the communication.
“The court sent them the citation, and they have 60 days to respond. If they do not respond within that period, it is extended for an additional 30 days, and if that last deadline expires without a response from the receiver, the plaintiff has the right to request that the judge declare the Dominican Republic in default, and we could win the judicial victory without fighting,” he said.
