Dates of last and next legislative elections: L. House 2002/2006
U. House 2002/2006

Head of state: President Hipolito Mejia

AT THE LAST ELECTION

Decades of conservative rule under Joaquín Balaguer ended in 1996. The election of President Hipolito Mejia in 2000 confirmed the dominance of the center-left PRD, which in 1998 had gained control of Congress. Despite initial successes, Mejia has seen his own popularity wane. Living costs have spiraled and unemployment has risen; chronic electricity shortages prompted mass demonstrations against his government. Under new rules introduced in 2001, Mejia will not be able to stand in 2004 for a second term.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004