Dominican Republic JCE study reveals high electoral abstention in 2024

electoral abstention Junta Central Electoral 2024 elections democratic participation political distrust

The Dominican Republic's Central Electoral Board (JCE) has released a comprehensive study on electoral abstention following the 2024 elections. Coordinated by the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights (IIDH) through CAPEL, the report identifies abstention as a structural phenomenon rather than mere individual apathy.

Key findings indicate that abstention reached 45.6% in the 2024 general elections, with a significantly higher rate of 81% among Dominican citizens living abroad. The study highlights that distrust in political institutions, corruption, clientelism, and a lack of compelling political proposals are primary drivers of non-participation. Additionally, logistical barriers such as transportation issues and distance to polling stations were noted as contributing factors.

Demographically, the study found that abstention is more concentrated in large urban centers and economically dynamic regions like Ozama and Santiago, whereas rural and border areas show higher participation. While age and gender showed minimal impact on voting behavior, occupational status was a significant factor: professionals recorded the highest participation at 66%, while those without formal employment had the lowest at 30%.

JCE President Román Andrés Jáquez Liranzo has called for the findings to be translated into concrete actions to strengthen democracy ahead of the 2028 elections. Civil society leaders have also urged the creation of a national roadmap to address these systemic issues.

Entities

CAPEL · Carolina Mejía · Centro de Asesoría y Promoción Electoral · Dominican Republic · Fundación Justicia y Desarrollo Local · Instituto Interamericano de Derechos Humanos · Junta Central Electoral · Pablo Vicente · República Dominicana · Román Andrés Jáquez Liranzo

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 9 SOURCES] The JCE presented a study on electoral abstention in the Dominican Republic regarding the 2024 elections. ahoranoticiasrd.com · azuanoticias.com · dajabonenlinea.net · realidadsocial.com · www.sanjuanpordentro.net · +4 more
[● 3 SOURCES] The study identifies corruption, clientelism, and distrust in politicians as key factors for abstention. realidadsocial.com · www.sanjuanpordentro.net · hoy.com.do
[● 2 SOURCES] Abstention among Dominican residents abroad reached approximately 81% in 2024. bavarodigital.net · ensegundos.do
[● 2 SOURCES] The study found no significant difference in abstention rates between men and women. azuanoticias.com · realidadsocial.com
[● 8 SOURCES] The study was coordinated by the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights (IIDH) through its Center for Advisory and Electoral Promotion (CAPEL). azuanoticias.com · dajabonenlinea.net · realidadsocial.com · www.sanjuanpordentro.net · www.delazonaoriental.net · +3 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Electoral abstention in the 2024 general elections reached 45.6%. bavarodigital.net · www.diariolibre.com · ensegundos.do
[● 2 SOURCES] Abstention is higher in large cities and urban areas compared to rural and border municipalities. azuanoticias.com · realidadsocial.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Professionals showed the highest level of participation at 66% in the 2024 elections. dajabonenlinea.net · realidadsocial.com