Dr. Huberto Bogaert, one of the nation’s leading physicians, told El Siglo newspaper that former President Joaquín Balaguer is in good health. The 93-year old former statesman has conditioned his decision of running for President on the Partido Reformista Social Cristiano ticket to the state of his health as the deadline for registering his candidacy nears. Balaguer does not have to campaign, as he is probably the best known Dominican politician of all times, and thus is likely to leave the announcement of his decision to run for President for the last minute. Dr. Bogaert, who has treated the President’s skin problems, said he visited Balaguer 15-20 days ago and found him in very good health, with the exception of skin and leg problems that are normal at his age. "His mental lucidity is exceptional," said Bogaert. He believes Balaguer will chose to run and his pole ratings will increase immediately. He said only a physical impediment could stop him from running, and that, he says, could happen to anyone, and much more likely to a 93-year old man.
