PRD presidential candidate Hipólito Mejía, the man to beat in these elections, promised yesterday in a TV and radio broadcast that he would invite members of other political parties to join his government. He promised to combat corruption and carry out the "social and economic changes that most Dominicans want." He also emphasized that he would decentralize government, strengthening the municipal governments. Furthermore, he promised an increase in government funding of education and public health, and that he would build homes for the middle class and the poor. He urged political organizations to show exemplary conduct at the close of the political campaign. He again said that he would give priority to free zone industries and tourism industry. Hipólito Mejía has a comfortable (about 10 points) lead according to most polls regarding the 16 May election. But most polls also say that he does not have enough support to gain the presidency in the first round. In the DR, a candidate needs 50%+1 of the vote to win in a first round.
