Politics & Government Guide
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a representative democracy with a bicameral legislature and a president serving as both head of state and head of government. Luis Abinader of the Modern Revolutionary Party was re-elected in May 2024 with commanding support, maintaining his party's control of Congress. The country has demonstrated democratic improvements in recent years, though challenges remain in judicial independence and executive dominance.
Democracy Index
Good
Government Type
Representative democracy
Legal System
Civil law system based on the Napoleonic code
Head of State
President Luis Abinader(since 2024)
Head of Government
President Luis Abinader(Modern Revolutionary Party)since 2024
Political Indicators
Democracy Index
Scale: 0-10
Flawed Democracy
Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Center-right
Center-left
Center-right
Voting Rights
Dominican citizens aged 18 and older have the right to vote. Dominicans living abroad can participate in elections. By law, one-third of deputies in the lower house must be women.
Recent Developments
- Luis Abinader won a second presidential term in May 2024 with over 60 percent support
- Modern Revolutionary Party won 120 of 158 mayorships in February 2024 municipal elections
- President Abinader has pledged to ensure government respect for the autonomy of other branches including the judiciary and legislature
- Dominican Republic made significant democratic gains according to the 2024 Democracy Index from the Economist Intelligence Unit
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