Puerto Rico To Pick Governor Amid Massive Financial Crisis
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published November 08, 2016 | 08:45 AM
SAN JUAN, Nov 8, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 08th Nov, 2016 ) - Voters in Puerto Rico elect a new governor Tuesday amid a massive economic and financial crisis that has sent thousands packing for the mainland United States.
Almost two million voters in the US Caribbean commonwealth will choose a new leader after Puerto Ricans in their thousands streamed off the island besieged by crippling recession and $70 billion in debt -- its worst crisis in six decades.
Among the six gubernatorial candidates, the favorites are David Bernier of the Popular Democratic Party (PDP), and Ricky Rossello, of the New Progressive Party (PNP), which favors full US statehood instead of the commonwealth status quo.
In addition, the 1.8 million voters will also pick lawmakers in the local legislature as well as mayors of 78 municipalities on an island of 3.
5 million. The former Spanish colony has been a US commonwealth since 1952.
People born on the island are US citizens but cannot cast their ballots for the next American president. Rosello is leading Bernier 40 percent to 28.9 percent, a Precision Research poll for Univision found.
In August, President Barack Obama named a powerful new oversight board for Puerto Rico. The White House said the seven members of the Financial Oversight and Management Board would be charged with helping San Juan restructure its $70 billion in debts.
Having already defaulted on more than $2 billion in debt payments, Puerto Rico is blocked by US law from seeking protection in bankruptcy courts as has been the practice for cities like Detroit.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Terrorists of Shangla suicide attack will be brought to justice: Interior Minist ..
Applications Open for 6th Cycle of Start-up Incubation under the National Expans ..
Join vivo's "Light it Up" Social Media Contest in Ramadan to Win vivo V30 5G
Pakistan v New Zealand T20I series: Tickets to go on sale from today
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 29 March 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 29 March 2024
Journalists call for global action to end Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
CM for generating opportunities to bring direct int'l investment
Pakistan retains position in FTSE secondary emerging market
High Commissioner of Malaysia hosts Iftar dinner reception
NEPRA announces 2nd quarterly adjustment in power bills with Rs 1.68 cut per uni ..
Hoopo Inc. Collaborates with SAU to Install Solar-Powered RO Plant
More Stories From World
-
Ukraine says downed 84 of 99 Russian missiles, drones launched overnight
7 minutes ago -
Philippines observes Good Friday with crucifixions and whippings
17 minutes ago -
Tokyo shares close higher after Wall Street records
27 minutes ago -
Over 9 pct of Mongolia's livestock die in cold winter
37 minutes ago -
Indonesia's president-elect to visit China
37 minutes ago -
6.0-magnitude quake hits Southern Greece
37 minutes ago
-
Myanmar earns over 690 mln USD from fishery exports in over 11 months
37 minutes ago -
Vietnam's trade surplus reaches 8.08 bln USD in Q1
37 minutes ago -
China's medical equipment market reaches 1.27 trillion yuan
37 minutes ago -
Tokyo shares close higher after Wall Street records
57 minutes ago -
Evan Gershkovich: determined US reporter jailed in Russia
1 hour ago -
African Union 'warmly congratulates' Faye on Senegal election win
1 hour ago