Para enmendar el Artículo 9.5(4) de la Ley 58-2020, conocida como “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020” y el Artículo 1.014 de la Ley 107-2020 conocida como “Código Municipal de Puerto Rico” para que cuando ocurra una renuncia o vacante de Alcalde por causa de acusación, destitución o convicción por actos de corrupción o de delito grave, la misma sea cubierta por una elección general con la participación de todos los electores hábiles de dicho municipio, con candidatos de todos los partidos políticos que fueron parte en la elección del Alcalde renunciante o destituido, así como los candidatos independientes o por nominación directa que también participaron en dicha elección anterior, y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Require mayoral vacancies from corruption convictions be filled by general municipal election instead of succession procedures.

Aprobado sin enmiendas

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 300 proposes amending Puerto Rico's Electoral Code (2020) and Municipal Code (2020) to require that mayoral vacancies caused by resignation, removal, or conviction for corruption or felony be filled through a general election rather than alternative succession methods. The bill would allow all eligible voters in the municipality to participate, with candidates from all parties and independent candidates who participated in the previous mayoral election.

Why is this important

Mayoral vacancies due to corruption or serious crimes currently may be filled through succession mechanisms that bypass direct voter participation, potentially allowing the electorate no say in replacing a compromised leader. This bill directly addresses democratic accountability by ensuring citizens can vote on mayoral replacements in corruption-related cases, strengthening electoral legitimacy in municipalities affected by leadership misconduct.

Potential points of contention

Implementation timeline: General elections require time to organize; an interim mayor may be necessary, creating questions about governance during the transition period

Cost and logistics: Holding special elections for single offices is administratively expensive compared to succession procedures; fiscal impact on municipalities may be significant

Scope limitations: The bill applies only to corruption/felony cases; vacancies from other causes (death, health) would likely follow different procedures, creating inconsistent succession rules

Definition ambiguity: "Actos de corrupción" (corruption acts) may need clearer legal definition to avoid disputes over which resignations/removals trigger election requirements