equal to the protections and rights of citizens born in the States of the United States of America. (D) Federal laws and programs shall apply to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in accordance with the provisions of the autonomous compact. However, if the government of Puerto Rico determines that the enactment of a Federal law or a specific provision of a statute or regulation of the United States modifies or affects the powers granted to the people of Puerto Rico with respect to self-government, fiscal autonomy, or cultural identity, the government of Puerto Rico may request an exemption from the application of the statute or regulation. The compact shall include an expedited mediation mechanism to address such claims. (E) The compact shall replace the corresponding provisions of the Act of July 3, 1950 (commonly known as the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act of 1950 ) (64 Stat. 319, chapter 446), regarding the application of certain Federal laws that, due to the scope of the Federal laws, could unilaterally modify the nature of the political autonomy relationship. . (c) Implementation of plebiscite The plebiscites authorized by this section shall be implemented by the Elections Commission, consistent with— (1) the laws of Puerto Rico