Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader headed to second term after Sunday elections
NBCMay 27
Dominican Republic: President Abinader Wins Re-Election
Above: President of the Dominican Republic Luis Rodolfo Abinader speaks during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the United Nations headquarters on September 20, 2023 in New York City. Image copyright: Michael M. Santiago/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
On Sunday, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader appeared won re-election for his second term. Preliminary polls in the first round of voting indicated a wide margin between the current president and his opponent.
With 37% of the ballots counted, President Abinader was handed a landslide victory with 58% of the vote, and his opponent, former President Leonel Fernández tallied 28% of the vote.
The Spin
Narrative A
The results of the election prove that Dominicans largely stand behind the agenda of President Abinader. Dominican youth continue to be impressed by his hard line on illegal immigration. The wall that is being built and the deportations are guaranteeing the safety of the Dominican Republic and its people. Some call the policies cruel, but the President has repeatedly shown his commitment to helping with the crisis by calling on the international community to intervene.
Narrative B
President Abinader's regime is riddled with corruption and injustice. His agenda on immigration is built on inhumane practices. Haitians seeking life-saving refuge and those who have resided in the Dominican Republic for years are facing persecution and imprisonment. There's even speculation that the administration is wrongly imprisoning opposition figures. Another term for Abinader will result in more cruel, state-sanctioned practices.