Date of Award
2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Fidalgo, Amanda
Area of Concentration
Political Science
Abstract
In 2020, the Dominican Republic’s dominant party lost the presidential elections for the first time in 16 years. This thesis examines the main factors that led to this paradigm shift in Dominican politics. I argue that internal party conflict, public perceptions of corruption and a strengthened opposition movement were central to the 2020 outcome. I find robust support for my main hypothesis. First, internal party conflict caused major party leaders to defect from the PLD, which significantly threatened hegemonic party stability. Second, corruption scandals and perceptions of corruption affected voting preferences leading up to the 2020 elections. Lastly, the rise of independent media and the PRM’s ability to establish itself as the main opposition party was crucial in channeling public discontent towards the PLD before the 2020 elections.
Recommended Citation
Guerrero, Omar, "REGIME CHANGE IN COMPETITIVE AUTHORITARIAN REGIMES: THE CASE OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC" (2021). Theses & ETDs. 6069.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/6069