The former president of the Dominican Republic, Joaquin Balaguer, says he will run again for office at the age of ninety-three.

Delegates of his Social Christian Reformist Party nominated him as candidate for an eighth term in office during a meeting held in the capital, Santo Domingo.

Mr Balaguer - who is blind -- thanked his supporters and told them he was sure to win.

Correspondents say Mr Balaguer has continued to dominate his party despite being forced to give up the presidency in 1996 amid allegations of electoral fraud.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service