1、Order Code RS21718Updated April 1, 2008Dominican Republic: Political and Economic Conditions and Relations with the United Statesname redacted and name redactedAnalysts in Latin American AffairsForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryPresident Leonel Fernndez of the Dominican Liberation P
2、arty (PLD), who servedas president previously (1996-2000), took office again on August 16, 2004 and isrunning for reelection on May 16, 2008. Since taking office, President Fernndez haspresided over a period of rapid economic growth, enjoys continued popular support, andhas a majority in both legisl
3、ative chambers. He has enacted fiscal reforms and restoredinvestor confidence in the Dominican economy, but also suffered setbacks stemmingfrom an alleged financing scandal and criticism of the governments response to twotropical storms in late 2007. Fernndez is the favored candidate in the May 16,
4、2008presidential race, enjoying a significant lead over his chief opponent, Miguel VargasMaldonado of the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD). With the March 2007implementation of the U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free TradeAgreement (CAFTA-DR), observers expect a rise in foreign investmen
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