Poll Tracker: The Dominican Republic's 2024 Presidential Election

Dominican President Luis Abinader looks like he’s on solid footing to win a second term. He is one of the region’s most popular leaders, with an approval rating of roughly 70 percent. His anti-corruption message has resonated with citizens and, under his leadership, the Dominican Republic has boasted one the highest GDP growth rates in Latin America. 

So it may come as little surprise that the incumbent leads polls ahead of the country’s May 19 presidential vote. The 56-year-old, who represents the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), will be joined on the ballot by former President Leonel Fernández (1996–2000; 2004–2012) of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) and Mayor Abel Martínez of the People’s Force (FP). Several other candidates will compete but all are polling well below 1 percent. If no candidate receives over 50 percent of the vote, a runoff between the top two will take place on June 30.

Voting isn’t compulsory in the Dominican Republic. Turnout for presidential contests in the country hovers around 70 percent, with the figure from the pandemic-era 2020 election an aberration at 55 percent.

Who is leading the polls? What are Dominicans’ top issues? AS/COA Online explores.