In the midst of escalating violence and political unrest in neighboring Haiti, the Dominican Republic is gearing up for elections on Sunday that have been dominated by discussions around tightening measures on migrants and completing a border wall that separates the two countries.
The intertwined politics of the two Caribbean nations sharing the island of Hispaniola have taken center stage as President Luis Abinader, a leading candidate seeking reelection, has initiated the construction of a border wall along Haiti's border, reminiscent of former U.S. President Trump's policies. Abinader has also overseen mass deportations of 175,000 Haitians last year, with a firm stance on deporting all illegal immigrants from any country.
Abinader's main rivals, former President Leonel Fernández and Santiago Mayor Abel Martínez, have echoed his calls for stricter actions against migration, promising to continue crackdowns while emphasizing respect for human rights.
The crackdown on migrants has drawn criticism from human rights groups, who argue that the policies are discriminatory and endanger vulnerable populations. Despite this, Dominican voters appear to be supporting Abinader's tough stance, with the incumbent expected to secure over 50% of the vote needed for a first-round victory.
While some Dominicans approve of the government's measures, concerns persist over issues such as crime and corruption. Many believe that corrupt officials contribute to the country's security problems by enabling smuggling and other criminal activities.
Meanwhile, the situation in Haiti remains dire following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, with escalating gang violence plunging the nation into further chaos. A transition council has been tasked with selecting new leaders in an attempt to address the country's numerous challenges.
The ongoing violence in Haiti has led to an influx of refugees seeking shelter in neighboring countries like the Dominican Republic and the United States. However, the Dominican government's stringent policies have sparked fear and uncertainty among both newly arrived migrants and long-term Haitian residents.
Many Haitians living in the Dominican Republic express concerns about their safety and future, with reports of immigration raids causing distress and hardship for individuals like Yani Rimpel, a Haitian businesswoman who has resided in the country for two decades.
Rimpel's experience reflects the growing unease among Haitian communities in the Dominican Republic, highlighting the challenges faced by migrants in the midst of political turmoil and security concerns.
