Dominican Republic's president announces victory in the voting process.
Unofficial results have the previous businessman winning with a sizable advantage, as two of his main opponents have admitted defeat. Currently, he has 57.46% of the votes that have been counted.
Nearly all polling stations have had their votes tallied, according to the electoral board's ongoing data. However, the board has not yet officially declared the winner.
Over the weekend, both of Abinader's top opponents commended him on his victory. "I spoke with President Luis Abinader by phone to acknowledge his electoral triumph and wish him good luck in his presidency," candidate Leonel Fernandez wrote on social media.
"I'd like to wish luck to Luis Abinader. Our nation faces numerous challenges. I hope we can overcome them together," Dominican politician Abel Martinez said in a statement.
If Abinader becomes victorious, he will be in office until 2028. The 56-year-old ex-economist and businessman initially took office in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and has presided over one of the fastest-growing economies in the region.
The well-liked leader has vowed to continue his first term's priorities, which focus on development, reform, and the battle against corruption, if reelected.
The election occurred during a period of escalating political and social turmoil in neighboring Haiti, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. Abinader's government has closed the shared border and airspace.
Additionally, he has been accused of encouraging anti-Haitian sentiment. In 2022, the US embassy advised Black and "darker-skinned Americans" to be cautious of potential increased interactions with Dominican authorities in light of an immigration crackdown.
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Source: edition.cnn.com
