Dominican Republic faces rising electoral abstention

A recent study conducted by the Dominican Central Electoral Board (JCE), in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights (IIDH) and the Center for Advisory and Electoral Promotion (CAPEL), has highlighted a significant rise in electoral abstention in the Dominican Republic.

In the 2024 elections, domestic abstention reached approximately 55%, up from roughly 50% in 2020. The trend is even more pronounced among the Dominican diaspora; while the overseas voter registry has grown to represent 10.6% of the total electorate, abstention among citizens living abroad surged from 51% in 2016 to 81% in 2024.

Analysts suggest this trend stems from a lack of ideological distinction between major political parties and a growing distrust in the ability of elected officials to address structural national issues. While some proposals suggest increasing the number of polling stations abroad to improve access, concerns remain regarding the potential increase in government spending without guaranteed improvements in voter turnout.