How the Dominican Republic's upcoming elections could affect infra projects

The Dominican Republic’s general elections on May 19 could affect the timetable of infrastructure projects despite legislative measures to avoid negative outcomes.

“We have 278 works in execution that amount to more than 80bn pesos [US$1.3bn]. During 2023, 122 projects were finished, which represented 40bn pesos. It is the largest [amount] in the last 10 years,” President Luis Abinader said during his annual national address on February 26. 

At least 23 works will be finished in 2024, including the Baní beltway, the widening of the Duarte highway’s Cruce Controba-Santiago stretch from four to six lanes, and the Solución bridge in Santo Domingo.

Other works to be completed include the Ecológica avenue, the San Francisco de Macorís beltway avenue and the Hondo Valle-Juan Santiago-El Cercado highway.

Abinader added that his administration, which started in 2020, has spent more than 21bn pesos on water infrastructure, 9bn pesos in 2023 alone to face growing hydric stress. He also highlighted that 45 hospitals and 583 healthcare clinics were built or modernized. 

However, the inauguration of works during the campaign is prohibited, which will affect late-stage projects. 

“Electoral processes significantly impact the execution of projects, which has been a recurrent issue in our history, as inaugurations were rushed during electoral years. This was perceived as a negative issue, which is why related bills have been passed [by congress], prohibiting the inauguration of projects during the campaign,” local political analyst Melvyn Pérez told BNamericas.

To ensure continuity in the face of alternating governments, a law requires ministries to submit four-year plans to the economy, planning, and development ministry for approval, which is intended to get any incoming administration to base its policies on the plans.

“Right now, every ministry is creating its 2025-28 interannual plan which has to be delivered in July,” said Pérez. “The new [government] can make some changes, up until 40%, but it is very difficult to change that much.”

This system has worked to a certain extent, “but not as much as one would expect,” as the plans are sometimes not followed through and “a lot of programs and projects are left adrift despite being in the budget,” according to Pérez.

Abinader is running for reelection and leading the polls.