Dominica PM promises electoral reform will be debated in the new term

By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

#Dominica, November 25, 2022 – With Dominica’s general election less than two weeks away, the country is currently facing issues with its election proceedings.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has recently defended his decision to call a snap election scheduled for December 6, two years before the constitutional deadline.

“I wish to make it clear that this new Dominica Labour Get together authorities which we’re about to re-elect shall introduce beneficial reforms as quickly as such reforms are prepared and have been imputed by all keen Dominicans residents at dwelling and overseas,” he said.

Skerrit and five other DLP candidates were nominated for seats in Parliament. The remaining 15 seats will be contested by 45 other candidates.

Meanwhile, the opposing parties, United Workers Party (UWP) and Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) have decided to boycott the elections on account that the electoral reforms have not yet been presented.  The Skerrit administration said, however, that the electoral reform process is being hindered by opposition legislators who refuse to take part in the necessary debates.

Former CCJ president, Sir Dennis Byron had said the electoral reform will comprise 2 phases; he proposed to present his phase one report by the end of November. In a letter to the Prime minister and opposition leader, Byron also noted that he was working on expediting his presentation on recommendations to improve Dominica’s Electoral Process.

Addressing accusations that Dominica has a voting system unlike any other country in the world, Skerrit said the voting system is the same as it was 27 years ago.

The issue of voter identification being required was also raised by the opposition who believe this will prevent non-residents from voting.  Skerrit dismissed this saying that all Dominicans, whether they live on the island or not, should have a right to vote.

“My view is that Dominica is just too small to chop itself off from the remainder of the world.  Philosophically I consider that if individual works elsewhere, however, sends dwelling cash, provisions, and different enabling help to repair their household in Dominica, I Roosevelt Skerrit [do] not see why that particular person must be unilaterally far away from the voters’ checklist in Dominica.

He noted that this is not a decision he will make on his own and has asked to be advised on the matter.