President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic has secured a second term in office after winning the elections in the first round. He declared victory as his rivals conceded, and preliminary results showed him leading with 58.85 percent of the vote. His handling of the economy and tough policies towards migration from Haiti were seen as key factors in his win. Abinader vowed unity and impartial leadership, promising to serve as president for all citizens and push through constitutional reform on the continuity of power.
Abinader’s victory is seen as an endorsement of his major policies, which include an anticorruption agenda and a crackdown on migration from Haiti. He began building a concrete wall along the border with Haiti to keep out undocumented migrants and deported over 250,000 migrants in 2023. While this policy is popular among many Dominicans, human rights groups have criticized it as racist and a violation of international law. The election outcome reflects strong support for Abinader’s tough stance on migration and his efforts to restore trust in the government following corruption scandals.
The election was held smoothly, with a high voter turnout after the 2020 municipal elections were suspended due to a technical glitch. Abinader’s popularity, with approval ratings at about 70 percent, was a key factor in his win. He pledged to serve all citizens without distinction and not run for re-election after completing his second term, in line with the country’s two-term limit for presidents. While there were reports of small irregularities, international observers deemed the electoral process to be carried out correctly, openly, and democratically.
The re-elected head of state has faced challenges, including the COVID pandemic and the pressure to welcome more refugees. His policies on migration have been seen as controversial, with some praising them for ensuring the security of Dominicans and others criticizing them as abusive towards Haitian migrants. Abinader’s commitment to constitutional reform and unity as president will be crucial in addressing these challenges and continuing his efforts to strengthen the economy and fight corruption. As he begins his second term, his leadership will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.
