Dominican President Mejia Concedes Defeat | Washington Post

Dominican President Mejia Concedes Defeat

By IAN JAMES
The Associated Press
Monday, May 17, 2004; 12:20 AM

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic - President Hipolito Mejia conceded defeat late Sunday in an election marked by an outpouring of public anger over the Dominican Republic's worst economic crisis in decades.

Mejia made the announcement that he was recognizing former President Leonel Fernandez as winner to reporters at his party command center with only about 3 percent of the results officially released.

"After this first bulletin I am conceding defeat. Leonel has won," Mejia said. "He who won and he who lost, lost."

It wasn't immediately clear on what figures he was basing the announcement. Fernandez had yet to speak publicly. Small firework exploded in bursts in the sky, and Fernandez's supporters drove through the streets of Santo Domingo honking horns.

More at the Washington Post

Dominican president outlines reelection platform
Mejia promises to lower taxes, raise wages and reduce debt
Thursday, April 29, 2004 Posted: 6:37 AM EDT (1037 GMT)

http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/americas/04/29/dominican.president.ap/

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) -- Dominican President Hipolito Mejia has outlined his election platform, promising tax cuts, higher public salaries and debt reduction if he wins a second term next month.

...snip

If he wins on May 16, Mejia said he will cut taxes from 25 percent to 15 percent in the lower income brackets and eliminate inheritance taxes.

Mejia also promised lower taxes for small businesses, a pledge that drew a standing ovation from 300 business and government leaders.

...snip

so, is the new guy a move to the left or right?

How is it the mainstream never mentions that in foreign election stories?

and business tax cuts sound very "Bush-ian"..

However, the outgoing PRD has supported neo-liberal economic policies and been a part of the "coalition of the willing." I think that the conventional left-right rules might not apply here. Both the parties in question seem to have some problems with corruption.