Antigua Orden Dominicana Considers Forming Political Party

The Antigua Orden Dominicana (AOD) is considering moving into electoral politics, with its leader, Angelo Vásquez, saying the organization now believes it needs to seek political power to pursue the changes it wants to see in the Dominican Republic.

The announcement came during a march in Moca, a city in Espaillat province in the northern Dominican Republic. Dozens of supporters gathered around Duarte Park before marching through several streets, in a mobilization that lasted approximately two hours and drew participants from different parts of the region.

What Is the Antigua Orden Dominicana?

For readers unfamiliar with Dominican politics, the Antigua Orden Dominicana is a Dominican nationalist organization led by Vásquez. The group describes itself as nationalist, conservative and pro-life, while researchers and other observers have characterized it as a far-right or ultranationalist organization.

The AOD is particularly associated with its hard-line opposition to what it describes as illegal Haitian immigration. Migration from Haiti is a highly sensitive political issue in the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Questions surrounding immigration, border control and national identity have become prominent issues in the country’s political debate.

The organization is also recognizable for the style of its public mobilizations. Members commonly wear black, military-style uniforms and combat boots, carry the Dominican flag and use patriotic slogans during marches and gatherings. In Moca, demonstrators chanted phrases including “Patria o muerte” and “Unidad para vencer.”

Vásquez Calls for Political Power

Vásquez said the organization had repeatedly been asked by media outlets whether it planned to establish a political organization. He said the AOD had concluded that gaining political power was necessary to promote the changes its members believe the country needs.

“We have to fight for power,” Vásquez said before the march.

During the demonstration, he acknowledged that the organization does not consider itself interested in conventional politics but argued that it has no other means of achieving its objectives.

“We don’t care about or believe in politics. But we don’t have the weapons to do it another way. We have to wrest power from the traitors of this country,” he said, drawing applause and supportive chants from demonstrators.

The organization did not announce a name, political platform, leadership structure or timetable for a prospective party. The comments indicate that the AOD is considering electoral participation, but they do not amount to the formal launch of a political party.

Justice Is Central to the Group’s Message

Vásquez also connected the possible political move to demands for justice involving citizens who, he claimed, have died under circumstances linked to decisions or actions by sectors currently governing the country.

“For there to be justice, people like you need to be the ones deciding the destiny of this country,” he told the crowd.

No detailed electoral program or specific legislative proposals were presented during the march. The emphasis remained on the need for supporters to gain greater influence over political decision-making.

A Potential New Role in Dominican Politics

The AOD has primarily been visible through public demonstrations and nationalist activism. A decision to establish a political party would therefore represent a significant change in how the organization seeks to influence public affairs.

For now, the Moca march marks a public indication that the group is considering that route. Whether it proceeds with the creation of a political party and seeks formal participation in elections remains unresolved.