DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

The debate that was avoided by presidential candidates, including sitting presidents seeking reelection, for more than 30 years happened on 24 April 2024. President Luis Abinader took the center flanked to his right by two-term Santiago mayor and six-year president of the Chamber of Deputies Abel Martinez (PLD) and to his left by three-term President Leonel Fernández (Fuerza del Pueblo).

The two-hour debate ended with a 10 for Dominican democracy. The candidates presented their positions with respect, elegance and knowledge of key Dominican issues.

The three presidential candidates all did well. At the end, those watching the debate were able to have a snapshot of advances in the country and the areas where more needs to be done.

President Abinader used his newly acquired statesman skills to match the two veteran candidates who were in high positions in the previous...