Dominican Republic - May 2024

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, candidate for the Modern Revolutionary Party (Partido Revolucionario Moderno, PRM), won re-election for a four-year term in the 19 May general election. He secured 57.4 per cent of the vote, defeating former President Leonel Fernández, who received 28.9 per cent, and Abel Martínez with 10.4 per cent. The country also elected 32 senators, 190 members of the Chamber of Deputies and 20 deputies for the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN). The PRM gained a large majority in the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, obtaining 142 out of 190 seats in the lower chamber and 24 out of 32 seats in the Senate. The election also yielded 70 women, including the Vice-President, deputies, and senators. Women now hold 35.2 per cent of the lower chamber, an improvement from the 27.9 they held after the last election. As polls had predicted, Abinader's victory was confirmed in the first round. Turnout was at record low with 46 per cent of voters abstaining.  Abinader has emphasized that this will be his final term, rejecting any constitutional changes to extend his presidency. 

Sources: El Pais, Listin Diario, Junta Central Electoral, Tendencias Dominicanas