The Dominican Republic is facing a contentious election as President Luis Abinader seeks a second term. Abinader has gained popularity through his anti-corruption initiatives and a crackdown on Haitian migrants, despite pleas from the United Nations to stop. His strong stance on immigration and his implementation of a border wall between the Dominican Republic and Haiti have resonated with voters, making him the clear front-runner in the upcoming election. Abinader’s tough approach to migration makes the Dominican Republic stand out in a region where many leaders are struggling with low approval ratings.
Abinader’s anti-corruption efforts have been a key factor in his popularity. His appointment of a former Supreme Court judge as attorney general has led to investigations that have implicated high-ranking officials in previous administrations. These initiatives, along with the passage of an asset forfeiture law, have been seen as important steps towards disrupting criminal enterprises and rooting out corruption in the country. Abinader’s focus on fighting corruption has resonated with voters, but his hardline stance on migration has also been a significant factor in his popularity.
The Dominican Republic’s immigration policies have a long history of exploiting anti-Haitian sentiment. The current approach to immigration, which excludes Dominican-born children of undocumented migrants from citizenship, has left thousands of descendants of Haitian migrants without citizenship. Abinader has further tightened immigration measures in response to the chaos in Haiti following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, suspending visas for Haitians and closing the border with Haiti. These measures have had economic consequences for Haiti but have been popular among many Dominican voters.
Despite criticism from rights groups and international observers, Abinader has defended his migration policies as necessary to protect the Dominican people. He has drawn parallels between his approach and that of other countries like Jamaica, the Bahamas, the United States, and Canada that have limited the arrival of Haitian migrants. Abinader’s tough stance on migration has led to support from a large majority of Dominican voters, with nearly 90 percent expressing approval of his construction of a border wall. However, some voters remain skeptical of the incumbent, citing concerns about his support for admitting Palestine as a member of the United Nations.
The Dominican Republic’s economy has performed well under Abinader’s leadership, with strong growth expected this year. Tourism, which accounts for a significant portion of the country’s GDP, has rebounded quickly from the pandemic, thanks in part to Abinader’s handling of the crisis and the distribution of vaccines. Despite economic growth, inequality in the Dominican Republic remains a significant issue, leading Abinader to expand cash-transfer programs for the country’s poorest residents. This combination of investor-friendly policies, a successful response to the pandemic, and efforts to address inequality has bolstered Abinader’s standing with voters.
As Dominicans head to the polls, Abinader’s tough approach to migration, anti-corruption efforts, and management of the economy have positioned him as the front-runner in the election. His popularity among voters is due in part to his strong stance on immigration, which has resonated with those concerned about instability in Haiti. While some voters have expressed reservations about Abinader’s policies, his overall support remains strong, making him a formidable candidate in the upcoming election.
