Former President Joaquín Balaguer chose Rafaela (Lila) Alburquerque (PRSC-San Pedro de Macorís) to preside the Chamber of Deputies. The actual election of the president of the Chamber of Deputies is scheduled for 16 August. But the leading political parties have voiced their support for whomever Balaguer chooses. News reports say that Hatuey De Camps objected Balaguer’s first choice, Rogelio Genao. Genao is the promoter of the "Balaguer, una vez más por necesidad" campaign that is promoting the candidacy of the 92 year old former statesman for President. Genao is also seen as a supporter of today president of the Chamber of Deputies, PRD dissident Hector Peguero Méndez, an arch-rival of the PRD. Earlier, PRD presidential candidate Hipólito Mejía had said he would unconditionally accept any candidate chosen by Balaguer. The Listín Diario headlined that Hatuey De Camps was able to override presidential candidate Hipolito Mejia’s initial statement that the PRD would accept any candidate proposed by Balaguer. The PRD hopes to please the former statesman. Political analysts say that the two leading contenders for the 2000 presidency need Balaguer’s endorsement to win. The Partido Reformista Social Cristiano (PRSC)-chosen board is as follows: Rafaela Alburquerque, president; Alfonso Fermín Balcácer (Monseñor Nouel), vice president; Miguel Angel Franjul Troncoso (Peravia), vice president and Ambrosina Saviñón (La Romana), secretary.
