Dominican Republic 2028 Election Faces Low Turnout and Celebrity Candidate Surge

The Dominican Republic’s 2028 general election is shaping up as a pivotal moment in the nation’s politics. President Luis Abinader is barred from seeking re‑election, and analysts note that a significant portion of the electorate—around 30 %—is either undecided or uninterested, raising concerns that the eventual winner could be chosen by only a minority of voters.

Women now constitute over 51 % of the registered electorate, while young voters are projected to account for roughly 37 % of the vote. However, many young citizens appear disengaged from the political process. At the same time, social‑media influencers and entertainers are entering the political arena: entrepreneur Santiago Matías has expressed presidential ambitions, artist Lápiz Conciente is mentioned as a potential Senate candidate, and other figures such as Yailin La Más Viral and Sujeto Oro 24 have been floated for legislative posts. Observers warn that popularity and follower counts do not replace the expertise required to govern, and they caution against a shift toward “celebrity politics.”