Dominican Republic electoral abstention reaches historic highs

Electoral abstention in the Dominican Republic has reached historic levels, signaling a structural shift in voter participation. Data indicates that abstention rose from 30.41% in 2016 to 44.71% in 2020, peaking at 45.6% during the 2024 presidential elections and 53.4% during the February municipal elections.

This trend of political disenchantment is evident across all age groups and is particularly pronounced among citizens living abroad, where participation dropped from 52% in 2016 to just 19% in 2024. Analysts suggest the decline is not merely apathy but a form of “lucidez desencantada” (disenchanted lucidity), where voters feel the political system no longer serves collective interests.

The decline in trust is linked to past electoral irregularities, including the suspension of the 2020 municipal elections due to issues with automated voting. The Central Electoral Board (JCE) is facing increasing pressure to understand these patterns to prevent further erosion of democratic engagement ahead of the 2028 elections.