The president of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, promised unity and leadership without distinction after achieving victory in Sunday’s elections, obtaining a margin large enough to avoid a second round and extend his mandate for four more years until 2028.
To avoid a runoff, the winner of the first round had to obtain more than 50% of the valid votes. With 56% of the electoral colleges counted, Abinader obtained 58.85% of the votes, followed by three-time president Leonel Fernández, who obtained 27.29%, according to data from the electoral referee of the Caribbean country.
His strongest rivals, Fernández and Abel Martínez, of the Dominican Liberation Party, granted him victory on Sunday night.
“I want to thank those Dominicans who competed for the presidency of the candidacy,” Abinader said in a speech shortly after 10 p.m. at the National House, party headquarters of the Modern Revolutionary Party, as his followers celebrated with applause and cheers. .
“This electoral victory, in my case, is the last, because I will respect the Constitution,” he said.
Abinader said that these elections were “a turning point” because they would make “a constitutional reform”, and added: “as president I want to congratulate all the senators who have achieved the change, regardless of the party.”
“Today our country shines with its own light, it is the leadership of a strong country,” said Abidaner. “I am and will be the president of all Dominicans.”
Abidaner led the preliminary official results with a wide advantage in the electionsfollowed by former president Fernández and, further back, Martínez.
Abinader, 56 years old, He is one of the most popular presidents in Latin America, with approval ratings around 70%, according to a CID-Gallup poll from September.
The former businessman and leader of the Modern Revolutionary Party has claimed his position for his skillful handling of the Covid-19 crisis, his firm stance on Haiti and his crusade against corruption, which earned him the advantage over his two main opponents, the former president Leonel Fernández, from the Fuerza del Pueblo party, and Abel Martínez, from the Dominican Liberation Party.
Abinader boosted the economy to a projected growth of 5% of GDP in 2024, according to World Bank figures.
His critics point out that he has work to do to control persistent inflation and inequality.
The election was marked by concern over the humanitarian crisis in Haiti. Other central issues were corruption in the government, inflation and inequality in the main tourist destination in the Caribbean.
Abinader’s anti-corruption agenda and his drive to grow the country’s economy resonated with voters. Part of his popularity was due to the government’s stance on Haitians and the situation on the border.
Governments react to Abinader’s victory
The United States Department of State extended a congratulatory message to Abinader on Monday after his victory, and recognized citizen participation in the democratic process. The US government highlighted the “diligent work of election observers to support a fair and transparent election.”
“We look forward to working closely with President Abinader’s new administration to further strengthen the ties between our nations and our people,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. The official assured that shared challenges include climate change, security and economic growth.
Other leaders from the region joined in recognizing Abinader’s victory, including the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro.
“We confirm that we will continue to advance along the path of bilateral relations of brotherhood, of Latin American and Caribbean unity between our peoples,” Maduro wrote on his social networks.
The president of Argentina, Javier Milei, recognized the “Dominican people for the civility and democratic spirit demonstrated in the election,” and reiterated his intention to “continue working together.”
Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador, also wished Abinader a “successful administration.”
Mexico’s foreign minister congratulated Abinader in X on Sunday night and said they hoped to continue strengthening bilateral relations.
[Reporte de Sandrine Exil. Con información de Reuters y The Associated Press. Martín Grippo, Lisandro Concatti contribuyeron desde Santo Domingo]
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