CD rebels reject Martinelli ultimatum

THE CD PARTY,  founded,  funded, and controled  by Ricardo Martinelli until he fled the country,  is facing an internal rebellion, with  members  of the  National  Assembly caucus publicly  rejecting  an ultimatum handed down by the ex-President.

Meanwhile the party’s  spin doctor has  announced  the opening of disciplinary proceedings.

Martinelli called upon members of the party who refused to follow orders to  resign before Dec. 31, and to leave office. He said those who stayed with the party would have to sign a pledge of loyalty.

CD Deputy Raúl Hernández, who joined members of the PRD and Panameñista parties to form a majority in the National Assembly and who was elected vice president of that body, rejected the ultimatum and also the designation of Alma Cortés as acting party president.

Hernandez, like CD Vice-president Rogelio Baruco, warned that the designation is illegal because it violates the party’s charter. He also said Cortés cannot start the process of revoking the membership of deputies who failed to sign the pledge.

CD Deputy Marylín Vallarino also joined in the criticism of Martinelli and said that Cortés was appointed improperly.

Other CD Deputies who have  rejected the ultimatum are: Aris De Icaza, Héctor Valdés Carrasquilla, Dana Castañeda and Mariela Vega

Luis Eduardo Camacho, a close friend of Martinelli and the party’s spokesman, announced that the CD will open disciplinary proceedings against members who do no toe the party line.