Vice President of the Dominican Republic Salary

Benefits

• ✓Representation expenses exempt from the 15% salary cap that applies to other officials [citation:2][citation:6]
• ✓Fuel allowance exempt from the 10% cap that applies to other officials [citation:6]
• ✓State-provided security detail
• ✓Official vehicle with driver
• ✓Health insurance coverage through state programs
• ✓Pension contributions under applicable state scheme
• ✓Travel allowances for official domestic and international duties
• ✓Communication expenses coverage
• ✓Access to state facilities and services
• ✓Diplomatic privileges for international engagements

Allowances

• •Representation expenses (exempt from 15% cap) [citation:2]
• •Fuel allowance (exempt from 10% cap) [citation:6]
• •Official travel per diem for domestic and international duties

Bonuses

• ★No performance bonuses are provided for the Vice President position

Other Compensation

• +Spouse pension of RD$51,980 monthly [citation:17]
• +Annual dividend income of RD$4 million from capital investments [citation:17]

Description

The Vice President of the Dominican Republic serves as the second-highest executive officer and is first in the line of presidential succession. The Vice President is elected on the same ticket as the President for a four-year term. Raquel Peña has served as Vice President since August 16, 2020, under President Luis Abinader. The role involves supporting the President's agenda, representing the administration at official functions, and undertaking specific policy initiatives as delegated by the President. The Vice President also chairs the Cabinet of Social Policies.

Key Duties

• Replace the President in case of temporary or absolute absence
• Support the President in executing the duties of the executive branch
• Represent the administration at official functions and diplomatic events
• Undertake special assignments and policy initiatives at the President's direction
• Chair the Cabinet of Social Policies
• Coordinate with government ministries and agencies on policy implementation
• Engage with civil society and community organizations
• Participate in Cabinet meetings and National Security Council sessions
• Maintain a presence in the National Congress to support legislative initiatives
• Provide advice and counsel to the President on key policy matters

Responsibilities

• Ensuring the continuity of government as the immediate successor to the President
• Advancing the President's policy agenda in the legislative branch
• Representing the Dominican Republic in international engagements when designated
• Supporting the President's national security and foreign policy objectives
• Overseeing specific presidential initiatives as delegated
• Maintaining the trust and confidence of the President

Qualifications

• Dominican citizenship
• Must be at least 30 years of age
• Must be a citizen in full exercise of rights
• Must not have been convicted of a crime
• Must be elected on the same ticket as the President
• Must not be a relative of the President within the fourth degree of consanguinity or second of affinity
• Must not have exercised the Presidency
• Must not be disqualified by any other constitutional provision

Eligibility

• Must be a Dominican citizen by birth
• Must be at least 30 years of age
• Must be in full exercise of citizenship rights
• Must be elected on the same ticket as the President
• Must not have been convicted of a crime
• Must not be a close relative of the President

Education

There are no constitutional educational requirements for the Vice President of the Dominican Republic. In practice, all recent Vice Presidents have held university degrees, often in law, economics, or public affairs. Current Vice President Raquel Peña holds a degree in industrial engineering and a master's in finance. Higher education is expected but not a formal legal prerequisite for the office.

Experience

The Vice President typically has extensive experience in government, business, or public service. Most recent Vice Presidents have served in the National Congress, as ministers, or in senior executive branch positions before assuming the office. Raquel Peña was a businesswoman and academic before becoming Vice President. Presidential candidates often select running mates with complementary experience to balance the ticket.

How to Become

1) Meet the constitutional eligibility requirements: be a Dominican citizen by birth, at least 30 years old, and in full exercise of citizenship rights. 2) Build a career in public service, government, business, or a relevant professional field. 3) Gain prominence within a major political party through service, advocacy, or governance. 4) Be selected by a presidential nominee as their running mate. 5) Win the general election as part of a presidential ticket. 6) Take the oath of office on August 16 following the election.

Selection Process

1) Presidential candidates from major parties select a running mate for the Vice Presidency. 2) The party convention formally nominates the Vice Presidential candidate. 3) The candidates campaign alongside the presidential nominee in the general election. 4) The ticket that receives more than 50% of the vote is elected. 5) If no ticket wins an absolute majority, a runoff election is held between the top two tickets. 6) The Vice President-elect is sworn into office on August 16 following the election.