The photograph of an aging President Joaquín Balaguer, in a house robe, with long-sleeved white shirt showing below, swearing in the members of the pro-Christmas dinner committee of the Partido Reformista Social Cristiano was released to the press yesterday. He was swearing in Alexandra Izquierdo and Victor Bisono. The former President is best known for his elegant austerity in dress and this is the first time that he allows himself to be photographed in house robe performing an official party activity. Balaguer has conditioned his running for President in 2000 to his physical health. He is 93 years old and blind. The two strongest contenders for the presidency in 2000 have both sought his favor. In 1996, Leonel Fernández won the presidency when he was endorsed by then President Balaguer.
