On May 19, the Dominican Republic will renew its presidency, vice presidency, and both chambers of Congress. The election is taking place amid rising concerns about migration from neighboring Haiti, which is currently facing a humanitarian crisis. The effects of this crisis have become increasingly visible in the Dominican Republic as waves of displaced people seek refuge there. In February 2024, President Luis Abinader addressed the United Nations Security Council to demand help for Haiti. He emphasized his government’s official position to either fight together to save Haiti or fight alone to protect the Dominican Republic. Following this, the Dominican army reinforced security at the main border crossings and intensified operations to search for migrants, leading to mass deportations.
To be elected president in the Dominican Republic, a candidate needs an absolute majority of half plus one of the valid votes cast during the first round. If no candidate achieves this on election day, a second round will be held on June 30. There are nine contenders for the presidency but only three stand out: Luis Abinader of the Modern Revolutionary Party, Leonel Fernández of La Fuerza del Pueblo, and Abel Martínez of the Dominican Liberation Party. Abinader is currently president and leads in polls followed by Fernández and Martínez respectively.
On election day on May 19, polling stations will open across all provinces of the country where citizens can vote for their preferred candidates for president, senators and deputies by casting their ballots at designated polling stations with three ballots provided; one for each category. The polls will close at 5:00 p.m., and results will start coming out at 8:30 p.m.. Citizens can check their assigned precinct on JCE site by entering their ID number before heading out to vote