Intense electoral day in the Dominican Republic defines presidential future

Today, in the Dominican Republic, the final hours of an intense electoral day are being experienced, which will define the next president of the country. With over 8 million Dominicans called to the polls, current president Luis Abinader emerges as the favorite to win the general elections, amidst broad popular support due to his economic management, handling of the pandemic, and, above all, his strong policy towards Haiti. Abinader, 56 years old and seeking a second four-year term, leads the polls with a commanding 60% of the vote intention, according to Gallup data. He is followed by experienced former president Leonel Fernández, with 25%, and Abel Martínez, with 13%. The possibility of a victory in this first round is in Abinader's hands, who must reach 50% plus one of the votes to avoid a second round on June 30. Political analyst Rosario Espinal highlights that Abinader has managed to garner support for his reelection through popular measures such as subsidies, increased employment, and his firm stance on Haitian migration. The current president's migration policy has been supported, especially for his position to increase deportations to Haiti and strengthen security at the border, issues on which all candidates agree. The streets of Santo Domingo and other Dominican towns are filled with electoral propaganda, with Abinader and Fernández leading massive rallies that reflect the intensity of this contest. While Abinader's campaign promises to seal the victory, Fernández proclaims that there will be surprises on this electoral day. Abinader's management has been well evaluated by the population, with a 70% approval rating, according to Gallup. The president highlights the economic achievements of his administration, including high growth, controlled inflation, and low unemployment. Organizations such as the World Bank and the IMF project GDP growth for the year-end, highlighting the country's potential to become an advanced economy in the coming decades. Fernández, on the other hand, has criticized the current government's economic management, accusing it of manipulating indicators. However, Abinader insists that voting for the former president would mean a return to the corruption he promised to combat since taking office. Surveys also predict that Abinader's Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) will win the majority of seats in Congress, thus consolidating its political leadership position in the country. With the possibility of consecutive reelection, Abinader seeks to secure a second term that allows him to continue implementing his economic and migration policies. The electoral day in the Dominican Republic presents itself as a key moment to define the country's direction in the coming years. With a president seeking reelection and a former president seeking to return to power, the decision of the Dominican people will shape the political and economic future of the Caribbean nation. Sunday's elections are more than a democratic process, they represent the opportunity to consolidate changes and continue the development of a country in constant evolution.