Abinader defends the overseas vote and rejects its elimination

Luis Abinader defends the overseas vote and describes it as a fundamental right

The President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, took a firm stance by categorically rejecting proposals that suggest the elimination of the vote for Dominican citizens residing outside the national territory. During a meeting with the press held at William Paterson University in New Jersey, the president described such suggestions as a setback for the country’s democracy.

The head of state was emphatic in pointing out that any initiative aimed at suppressing this right is an “absurdity.” For Abinader, the participation of the diaspora is an essential pillar that must be preserved and strengthened rather than questioned.

A call to improve participation instead of eliminating it

The president’s reaction comes after the points raised by political scientist Rosario Espinal, who had suggested the possibility of eliminating the overseas vote based on the levels of abstention recorded in previous electoral processes among Dominicans residing outside the country.

Instead of eliminating this right, mechanisms should be sought to increase the electoral participation of Dominicans residing outside the country.

The president insisted that the focus of the authorities and the political class should be on implementing effective strategies that encourage the exercise of the vote and facilitate the connection of Dominicans abroad with the political affairs of their nation, thus guaranteeing greater democratic representation of the Dominican community in the world.