Dominican Republic's president ponders seeking 2nd term after re-election reform approved

FILE - In this May 21, 2012 file photo, Dominican President-elect Danilo Medina thanks his supporters for a first-round election win, at his party headquarters in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Medina said late Wednesday, June 17, 2015 that he's open to running for re-election, comments that come nearly a week after approval of a constitutional reform that lets presidents seek two consecutive terms. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo, File) (The Associated Press)

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – President Danilo Medina says he is open to running for re-election — now that the congress has approved a constitutional reform allowing the Dominican Republic's presidents to serve two consecutive terms.

Medina previously said he would not support any reform that would allow for his re-election.

But in a public address late Wednesday, about a week after the legal change, Medina said he has changed his mind in light of what he calls public support for the reform.

The measure was approved 181-39 last Friday, despite some protests. It also bars a two-term president from running for vice president in the future.