There were many surprises in this election. The most reputable polls failed to predict the outcome. Factors that may have contributed to the difference in the final results to the polls were the last minute death of Dr. Peña Gómez and last minute participation of Dr. Balaguer in the campaign. The most surprising results were the victory of college rector and former Minister of Finances Jose Rafael Abinader in Santiago, versus PLD candidate Dr. Julián Ramia Serulle. And the defeat of PRSC Enrique Sued by PRD’s Hector Grullón for mayor of Santiago. Also the win of radiobroadcaster Cuqui Medrano versus favorite Euclides Sánchez for senator for La Vega. Another change in Congress, is the defeat of Senator Florentino Carvajal Suero, representing Elías Piña and whom had been a congressman for the PRSC for 32 years. He lost to Manuel Arciniegas of the PLD. The Partido Revolucionario Institucional, a party founded by PRD dissident, the late Jacobo Majluta, and which in the 1998 congressional elections was an ally to the PRD, surprised by winning in the municipality of Laguna Salada. In Laguna Salada, the PRI obtained 42.5% of the vote (3,322 votes), defeating runner ups PRSC, PLD and even ally PRD. This is the second time in eight years that the PRI wins a municipality. The PRI also won a seat in the Chamber of Deputies and a city councilman. The PRI also won the senate seat for Hato Mayor, with Ivan Rondón Sánchez, and a Santo Domingo deputy seat, with Stormi Reynoso.
