Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1982
Distraught over revelations of financial corruption and improprieties, incumbent President
Silvestre Antonio Guzman commits suicide, with just over a month left in term.
1986
After an eight-year hiatus, Joaquín Balaguer, 80 years old and blind, is elected to his fifth
term as president despite his previous administration's corruption and dismal human
rights record.
1996
After massive election fraud and widespread national and international pressure, Balaguer
agrees to step down after two years and Leonel Fernández is elected president.
2003-04
A growing financial crisis sparks widespread public unrest and protests, including a gen-
eral strike in which several people are killed and scores injured by police.
2008
In May Leonel Fernández convincingly wins reelection to his third presidential term; a
2002 constitutional amendment allows him to again run for office.
2010
Haiti's cholera epidemic, following the devasting earthquake, spreads into the DR, reignit-
ing border conflicts.
2011
La Romana's Los Toros del Este sweep the Estrellas of San Pedro in five games to win only
their second DR winter baseball pennant.
May 2012
Danilo Medina wins the presidential elections (after Fernandez decided not to pursue con-
stitutional changes that would have allowed him to run for a fourth term).
