Last act in a Dominican drama

As the Dominican Republic heads into a second-round presidential vote on June 30, the outcome may be influenced by a grouchy old man capable of causing ruin if he cannot rule. Joaquin Balaguer, having served seven terms as president since 1960, agreed under pressure not to run again. But Balaguer has formed a pact with a longtime archrival to prevent a runoff victory by Jose Francisco Pena Gomez, who won the most votes in the first round. An undercurrent of racism is regrettably evident in Balaguer's maneuver.

Balaguer, who is now 89 years old and virtually blind, says he is joining forces with his erstwhile rival, Juan Bosch, so that the presidency does not fall into "hands that are not necessarily Dominican." It would appear, however, that the real issue is not Pena Gomez's purported Haitian ancestry but the fact that in a run for the presidency two years ago he was widely viewed as the real winner. So pervasive was the evidence of electoral fraud that to forestall violence, Balaguer agreed to call new elections for this year, cutting his last term by half.

The latest mischief by Balaguer is consistent with his 60-year record. He has served the Trujillo dictatorship, curried favor with Washington, thwarted coups, promoted coups, cowed opponents, rigged votes and bought off adversaries. Juan Bosch's embrace of his historic rival is harder to understand. Nobody can fault Bosch for supporting Leonel Fernandez, the candidate of his own party. But entering into a formal pact with Balaguer is another matter.

Washington has an obvious interest in encouraging a free and fair second-round vote and a peaceful transition. Both candidates have solid credentials. Fernandez, a well-regarded moderate, speaks for and to a growing Dominican middle class. Pena Gomez is a former mayor of Santo Domingo with obvious populist appeal. It is a pity that the machinations of two bitter octogenarians should turn this welcome runoff into a grudge fight.

-- The New York Times