DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Civil society’s push for high electoral standards
The Dominican Republic’s election processes in 2020 were contested, sometimes chaotic and influenced by the context of COVID-19, but resulted in change. The ruling party candidate tried to win electoral favour by positioning himself in a positive light as the leader of pandemic response. But the outcome was a rare defeat for the ruling party, in an election that, despite the pandemic, was characterised by strong civil society engagement and determination to ensure good electoral conduct.
Given the incumbent government’s mismanagement of the pandemic, people have high hopes in the new government. If we can overcome this challenge, the times ahead may bring positive change in terms of strengthening institutions and deepening democracy.
Hamilk Chahin and Addys Then Marte
