The president of the largest industrial zone in Santo Domingo, the Asociación de Empresas Industriales de Herrera, César Nicolás Penson, said that the uncertainty of the electoral process has resulted in a decline of 30% in production. He foresees a decline of 50% in the case of the election period being prolonged by a second round scheduled for 30 June, if none of the candidates achieve the majority vote in the first round on 16 May.
Another businessman, Andrés Dauhajre, who is president of the Unión Nacional de Empresarios which principally represents importers, said that the election has an adverse effect on commerce as Dominicans postpone non-essential purchases. He says that sales are down 40-50%, and despite the fact Mother’s Day is coming up, people are being more cautious in their spending.