Temístocles Montás and Miguel Cocco, two leading political strategists of the ruling Partido de la Liberación Dominicana (PLD), met yesterday with former President Joaquín Balaguer, the guru of Dominican politics. Both the PLD and the PRD are courting Balaguer, seeking his support in order to try to win in the first round of the election (16 May 2000) or at least in the second round (30 June 2000). Balaguer’s endorsement of today President Fernández was crucial for his winning the 1996 election. The PLD men said they explained to Balaguer the reasons for the increase in the tax on petroleum products and the exchange rate commission. Earlier this week, the press had headlined PRD presidential candidate, Hipólito Mejía’s meeting with Balaguer. 93-year old Balaguer has not commented on either meeting.
