Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - May 19, 2024

[Note: video contains Spanish language]

The current president of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, was re-elected this Sunday in the first round, with almost 60% of the votes, almost double those obtained by the candidate in second place, former president Leonel Fernandez.

A total of 8,145,548 people were called to participate in the process, which was evaluated by some 2,000 observers, more than 400 from international organisations that made up 20 missions and more than 1,500 national observers.

"Your civic-mindedness and participation were fundamental in giving the image of an exemplary country, with deep democratic convictions. The people have spoken clearly, Dominicans want to continue to deepen the change. I accept the trust I have received and the obligation not to let it down. I will not fail them", said the already re-elected president in his first speech after the first results.

SHOTLIST
1. various of Luis Abinader voting.
2. SOUNDBITE: Luis Abinader, president of the Dominican Republic
"The entire national territory is voting peacefully, in a peaceful and orderly manner, and as brothers that we are all Dominicans, we are brothers that today we are simply going to make a decision and at the end of the day we are all going to unite, always fighting for the Dominican Republic, for progress, for progress".
3. various people going to the polling stations in Santo Domingo.