candidates present key points in “historic” first presidential debate

The candidates for the presidency of the Dominican Republic presented their proposals and positions in a first debate ahead of the elections on May 19, which had the topics of Haiti, migration and security as the most prominent.

The event was considered by organizers as “historic” because it was the first time a sitting president participated.

Luis Abinader, the current president seeking a second term, was joined on stage by two prominent figures: Leonel Fernández, former three-time head of state, and Abel Martínez, current mayor of Santiago, the country’s second largest city.

There are almost a dozen candidates for the presidency, but it was these three political leaders who dominated the discussion. Repeating their familiar proposals, the candidates offered the audience a detailed look at their plans and strategies for the nation’s future. However, they were not exempt from confrontation, particularly in the case of Fernández and Martínez, who challenged the data presented by Abinader.

Migration, economy and security

Abinader began the discussion by highlighting the country’s solid economic performance, highlighting a 5.1% growth forecast for this year, according to the World Bank. In addition, he referred to figures from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which show a decrease in undernourishment rates during his mandate.

Fernández and Martínez, however, questioned these data, arguing an increase in inequality and unemployment. However, they agreed on the need to maintain the right to deport undocumented immigrants, especially in response to Haitian immigration pressure.

The debate, organized by the National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (ANJE), also addressed topics such as crime and gender violence.

While Abinader defended the decrease in crime, Fernández and Martínez argued the opposite, pointing out an uncontrolled situation. Regarding gender violence, the three candidates recognized the urgency of reforming the current Social Security system.

Border with Haiti

During the debate, Fernández explained that during his mandate the perimeter fence was not built due to the different conditions that Haiti faced at that time.

Next, Abinader mentioned that in three years what had never been done in 20 years on the border was achieved. He spoke about the implementation of smart perimeter fencing and the capture of biometric data of those crossing the border from Haiti.

Meanwhile, the current president assured that his government took a firm position regarding the situation with the neighboring country and promised that, if elected for a next term, he would complete the construction of the border fence, while continuing with the deportation policy against those were in the country illegally.

“We will continue to deport anyone who is illegal,” Abinader said, arguing that not doing so “would be anarchy.”

For his part, Abel Martínez expressed his support for the construction of this fence, but suggested that it should be an “economic” wall to help Dominicans in the provinces bordering Haiti, due to the crisis in that country that affects sovereignty and security of the Dominican Republic.

While Leonel Fernández indicated that in the face of illegal immigration, the law must be applied, which includes the deportation of undocumented immigrants, but respecting human rights.

“There is a sovereign right to be able to deport those people who do not comply with the law,” said the candidate, who criticized international organizations that are against the repatriation of undocumented Haitians, stating that immigration policy is the power of each country. sovereign.

The first debate in the country’s political history

Abinader was the first to confirm his participation in this debate, making history as the first sitting president to participate in an event to present proposals of this type during the electoral process.

Fernández and Martínez later confirmed their participation in the event, which was broadcast on television, radio and digital platforms.

Fernández emphasized that the debate was an event of confrontation between democracy and “moneyocracy”, and underlined its importance in the political landscape.

With presidential elections scheduled for May 19, the country is preparing for its second electoral event of the year, following municipal elections in February, where the ruling party secured the majority of mayoral positions.

If a second round is necessary to elect the next president, it will take place on June 30, according to the calendar of the Central Electoral Board.

The debate not only served as a forum for the exposition of ideas, but also as a reflection of the political atmosphere leading up to the elections. Despite the divergences and attempts at discredit between the candidates, a point of agreement that stood out was the need to address the problem of the deportation of undocumented immigrants, pointing to an unusual consensus in Dominican politics.

With polls suggesting a considerable lead for Abinader, who is seeking a second and final term, this debate became a crucial moment for voters to evaluate and decide the future of their country.

[Con reporte de Sandrine Exil y Martín Grippo]

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