Dominican Republic voters head to the polls with eyes on Haiti crisis
Al Jazeera
Incumbent President Luis Abinader expected to have strong showing as his policies on migration, economy widely popular.
Voters are heading to the polls in the Dominican Republic to cast ballots for the country’s next president, in what is expected to be a referendum on incumbent Luis Abinader and his government’s hardline policy on the country’s border with Haiti.
Up to eight million eligible voters will decide on Sunday which candidate is best suited to take on the fallout from the humanitarian crisis next door, tackle corruption in government and tame inflation and inequality in the Caribbean’s top tourist destination.
Abinader, a former businessman and leader of the Modern Revolutionary Party, is seeking re-election as one of the most popular leaders in the Americas.
He has staked his claim on his handling of the COVID-19 crisis, while his stance on Haiti and a crusade against corruption have helped give him a strong leg up over his two main opponents.
Trailing behind him are former President Leonel Fernandez and Mayor Abel Martinez.
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