Abinader enacts law eliminating independent candidacies in Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader enacted Law No. 13-26, a new electoral reform that eliminates independent candidacies in the country. The legislation, approved by the National Congress, repeals provisions of Law 20-23 that previously allowed nominations outside recognized political parties.

The reform follows ruling TC/0788/24 by the Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic, which declared the previous framework unconstitutional due to disproportionate requirements. Under the new law, only political parties, movements, and groups are authorized to present candidates for elected positions, reinforcing their exclusive role in the electoral process.

Authorities argue that the measure seeks to preserve institutional order and avoid complications in areas such as candidate replacement and political organization. The law was promulgated on March 26, 2026, and entered into force upon its official publication.