Puerto Rico’s political factions are closely linked to the potential political status alternatives for the island: independence, statehood, or the territorial “commonwealth,” which essentially embodies the current territorial framework with ambitious aspirations for increased Puerto Rican authority that have never materialized.
The Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico, commonly referred to as the PDP, Populares, or the “commonwealth” party, is not affiliated with the national Democratic party. A recent editorial in L.A. Progressive indicates that the PDP, which has transitioned from a pro-independence group to one that upholds the existing colonial arrangement, may now be shifting back toward its sovereignty-oriented origins.
The history of the PDP
PDP was established in 1938 by Luis Muñoz Marín, the inaugural governor of Puerto Rico. Initially, the political faction served as a dissident segment of the socialist movement, but it gradually developed a novel concept: a distinctive, non-territorial connection between Puerto Rico and the United States termed “commonwealth” status. Muñoz Marín and his administration revered the notion of an autonomous, self-determining island with enduring U.S. citizenship, the capacity to forge treaties with other nations, and the liberty to select among federal laws. This concept was never embraced by the U.S. federal government.
A Page from History: The Fernós-Isern Bill
The PDP held on to the illusion of “commonwealth” but enacted legislation prohibiting advocacy for independence. “There should be no doubt regarding our commitment to a lasting union and our goal to enhance the significance of American citizenship,” Muñoz Marín stated in an address, “not just for Puerto Rico, but for all our fellow United States citizens, for their esteem in America and globally.”
By 1959, the PDP had also included supporters of statehood. In 1997, the party’s leadership discussed free association. As highlighted in the L.A. Progressive article, there has been a gradual shift from separatism to the acceptance of colonialism, and now, potentially, back toward separatism.
What Does “Commonwealth” Even Mean?
The last governor from the PDP made an attempt to clearly define “enhanced commonwealth” during a 2013 Senate hearing, but was unable to do so. The term “commonwealth” has appeared on ballots for status votes defined in various ways. In the 21st century, it has become strikingly obvious that commonwealth status does not exist, as confirmed by the Supreme Court, the White House Task Force on Puerto Rico Status, and Congress, all affirming that Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory and nothing else.
As noted by the L.A. Progressive, “The PPD’s long-standing assertion that Puerto Rico had a unique, beneficial relationship with the U.S. turned out to be a fallacy.”
However, the notion that the PDP once supported independence and might revert to that stance is also not realistic. Muñoz Marín remarked in a 1965 interview, “As you know, the Puerto Rican populace is very loyal to the United States; they are devoted citizens of the United States. But we have a fringe element of perhaps, a thousand among two and a half million – independence advocates.” Though he did not label all separatists as irrational, he unequivocally did not advocate for Puerto Rican independence.
A recent survey queried Puerto Rico voters about whether they would choose statehood or independence if those were the exclusive options in a status referendum. Among those identifying as PDP members, 61% opted for statehood. They also showed a lack of support for independence. If an “enhanced commonwealth” option were available, the results could differ – and it appears that some “commonwealth” proponents believe “free association” to be synonymous with “enhanced commonwealth.”
The 2024 elections
For nearly a century, two political parties have alternated in wielding political influence in Puerto Rico. Just as the Presidents of the United States have been either Republicans or Democrats since Millard Fillmore, the last Whig president, departed from office, Puerto Rico’s governors have come from either the “commonwealth” party (PDP) or the statehood party (PNP).
This year, the PDP candidate for governor is currently third in polls, trailing both the PNP and the new Alliance party. The PDP candidate for Resident Commissioner follows both the PNP candidate and the second-place choice of “Not sure.” The PNP candidate recorded a 43% result in the recent Gaither International poll, trailed by the Alliance candidate at 24%, the PDP at 14%, and Project Dignity at 9%.
The L.A.Progressive proposes that “a new political movement may emerge from its remnants,” suggesting that the Alianza could serve as that new political force.
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