Luis Abinader Declares Victory in Dominican Republic's Presidential Election
Luis Abinader, the incumbent president of the Dominican Republic, has announced his victory in the recent presidential election, addressing voters' worries about crime and safety during the campaign.
President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic announced that he won the presidential election over the weekend. Crime and safety were major issues for voters in this race.
Although official results are not yet confirmed, the election website indicates that the former businessman is in the lead by a significant margin, with two of his main rivals conceding defeat. As of Monday afternoon, Abinader had received 57.46% of the votes that had been counted.
Votes have been counted in over 99% of the polling stations, as per the electoral board's real-time data. The board has not yet announced the winner.
On Sunday, both of Abinader's main competitors congratulated him on his victory. Candidate Leonel Fernandez wrote on X, "Tonight I called President Luis Abinader by phone to acknowledge his electoral win and wish him well in his new role."
Abel Martínez, a Dominican politician, expressed his well wishes to Luis Abinader, acknowledging the challenges our country faces and hoping for national unity to overcome them, in a recent statement.
If Abinader is elected, he will serve as president until 2028. The 56-year-old, who previously worked as an economist and businessman, took office in 2020 amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and has overseen significant economic growth in the region.
The well-liked leader has pledged another four years of economic progress, and experts anticipate that Abinader will build upon the priorities of his first term, such as development, reform, and combating corruption.
Electoral employees count votes during the general elections in Santo Domingo on May 19, 2024.
Electoral employees count votes during the general elections in Santo Domingo on May 19, 2024.
Federico Parra/AFP/Getty Images
The Dominican Republic's recent vote coincides with the ongoing political and social crisis in neighboring Haiti, with both countries sharing the island of Hispaniola. As a response to the crisis, Abinader's administration has closed off the shared border and airspace between the two nations.
There have been accusations against Abinader of fueling anti-Haitian sentiments. In 2022, the United States embassy issued a warning to Black and "darker-skinned Americans" about the heightened risk of encountering Dominican authorities due to an immigration crackdown.
Editor's P/S:
The Dominican Republic's recent election has brought about a significant victory for President Luis Abinader. His triumph signifies the voters' trust in his leadership and his commitment to economic growth. However, it is important to address the ongoing political and social crisis in neighboring Haiti and its impact on the Dominican Republic. The closure of the shared border and airspace highlights the complex relationship between these two nations.
Furthermore, allegations of anti-Haitian sentiments under Abinader's administration raise concerns about human rights and racial discrimination. The United States embassy's warning serves as a reminder of the potential risks faced by individuals of African descent in the Dominican Republic. It is crucial for the government to address these accusations and work towards fostering inclusivity and respect for all citizens, regardless of their background.
