Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has declared victory in the recent presidential election, where crime and safety were key concerns for voters. Although official results are still pending, the election website indicates that Abinader is leading by a substantial margin, with 57.46% of the votes counted and more than 99% of polling stations reporting. His main challengers, Leonel Fernández and Abel Martínez, have both conceded defeat and extended their congratulations to Abinader.

Abinader, who first took office in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, has overseen one of the region’s fastest-growing economies. If his victory is confirmed, he will remain in office until 2028. The 56-year-old former economist and businessman has pledged to continue fostering economic growth, focusing on development, reform, and combating corruption.

The election took place against the backdrop of a severe political and social crisis in neighboring Haiti. In response to the situation, Abinader’s administration has closed the shared border and airspace between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. This has led to accusations of stoking anti-Haitian sentiment, with the U.S. embassy in 2022 warning Black and “darker-skinned Americans” of potential increased interactions with Dominican authorities amid an immigration crackdown.