Hoy newspaper second page columnist observes today that by appointing his cabinet ministers almost three months in advance, President-elect Hipólito Mejía is placing these before public scrutiny. This is a first time that a President-elect announces members of his cabinet in advance. Regarding, the newspaper’s much read column reads: "it is a way so that the eyes of the citizenry can focus on the new government officers. That way, the media and the citizenry can look into the track record of the chosen officers and if sufficient reasons are found to oppose the appointment, this can be done." In his preliminary announcing of his cabinet ministers, Hipólito Mejía has given priority to party stalwarts, several with track records in previous PRD governments. Others are previously unknown figures, and others relatives of the President-elect. Cabinet appointees so far are: Vice President-elect Milagros Ortiz Bosch, Minister of Education Hugo Tolentino Dipp, Minister of Foreign Relations Jose Rodriguez Soldevilla, Minister of Public Health Cesar Cedeño, Minister of Sports Rafael Calderón, Technical Secretary of the Presidency Eligio Jaquez, Minister of Agriculture Cesar Sánchez, administrator of the Dominican Electricity Corporation Miguel Vasquez, administrator of the National Lottery Vicente Sanchez Baret, director of Customs Hipólito Mejía has said he will continue to make appointments but will reserve the announcement of the Minister of Armed Forces, the National Police chief and the Central Bank Governor for 17 August 2000. He is sworn in on 16 August 2000.
