Abinader takes strong lead in preliminary election results
With almost 38% of the votes counted, figures from the Dominican Republic’s central electoral board show that Luis Abinader is in the lead with 59.24%, followed by three-time former President Leonel Fernandez with 26.97%.
Luis Abinader, the very popular incumbent and anti-corruption campaigner of the Dominican Republic, led the presidential race in preliminary returns by a considerable margin on Sunday, May 19, which set up a quick victory.
Preliminary results from the Caribbean island nation’s central electoral board show that Abinader had 59.24% of the vote, with around 38% of the ballots counted, followed by three-time former President Leonel Fernandez with 26.97%.
A second round vote appeared out of the question as Abinader, 56, appeared headed toward winning more than 50% of the vote overall.
In the Caribbean’s biggest tourist destination, up to 8 million eligible voters cast ballots to choose a candidate best able to handle the aftermath of the humanitarian catastrophe in Haiti next door, combat government corruption, and control inflation and inequality.
A former businessman and head of the Modern Revolutionary Party, Abinader has bet his reputation on his skilful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of his harsh position on Haiti and his fight against corruption, he has received more support than his two primary rivals.
While first-time contender Abel Martinez of the Dominican Liberation Party has hailed his accomplishments as mayor of the nation’s second-largest city, Fernandez of the People’s Force party has attacked his opponent as weak on the economy and crime—many more poll at or below 1%.
With popularity ratings of over 70%, Abinader is one of the most popular presidents in Latin America, according to a September CID-Gallup poll. In record time, he propelled the island’s vital tourism sector back to health, bringing his nation back to a projected 5% GDP growth in 2024, according to World Bank data.
Still, there are obstacles to overcome. According to surveys, crime is a top concern for Dominican Republic residents, as mentioned in US State Department travel advisories. Many people fear that the security situation may get worse if migrants from nearby Haiti flow over.
The economy has expanded, but Abinader’s detractors contend he still needs to reduce inequality and inflation, which have left many behind.
Even with the obstacles, analysts both on and off the island believe that a recent revision of election regulations, the nation’s first-ever presidential debate in April, and the Abinader government’s anti-corruption campaign will contribute to a successful Sunday vote, whoever wins.