Diario Libre looks into the aspiring first ladies in its coverage on the presidential elections scheduled for 5 July 2020 in the Dominican Republic. Here are some of the details combed from the Diario Libre story and other sources.
Luis Abinader. Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM). His wife is Raquel Arbaje, who has actively campaigned alongside her husband. She is the daughter of Lebanese immigrants with several generations in the Dominican Republic. She has been married to Abinader for 25 years, and they have three grown daughters Esther, Graciela and Adriana Abinader Arbaje. She has been active with the family furniture store Arbaje Soni and other family businesses.
Gonzalo Castillo Terrero. Dominican Liberation Party (PLD). His wife is Silvia Lopez, who has been involved with several of his businesses. She has not been seen campaigning with Castillo, nor socializing with Castillo in the Dominican Republic. Neither is she included in any of the promotional spots. In an interview with Alofoke Uncensored, Castillo said that his wife spends her time in Miami, where she has a student daughter. He said she does not like politics. The couple has three children, including a son who has been active campaigning with his father, and two daughters that live in Miami. The wife nor the daughters have made public appearances during the intense campaigning of their father before and during the Covid-19 epidemic.
Leonel Fernández. People’s Force (FP). His wife is lawyer Margarita Cedeño. Cedeño was his First Lady for his second and third presidential term (2004-2012). She aspired to be the ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) presidential candidate, but this went to Danilo Medina. Medina chose her to be his Vice President for the 2012-2016 and 2016-2020 terms. Then Gonzalo Castillo, the Medina protegee, announced he was choosing Cedeño to be his Vice President. Cedeño has a daughter with former President Fernández. Cedeño has managed enormous public welfare programs both as first lady and then as vice president.
Guillermo Moreno. Country Alliance (AlPais). His wife is lawyer Aura Celeste Fernández. She was a judge with the Central Electoral Board (JCE) at a time when the board received its highest approval for successful election organization. Fernández herself is running for senator for the National District on the Alianza Pais ticket.
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Diario Libre
18 June 2020