The choice for the parliamentary representatives of the Salisbury and Marigot constituencies will be determined today as polling stations open for by-elections in those communities this morning.
The Dominica Labour Party (DLP) candidates Bentley ‘Tolo’ Royer and Dayton Baptiste of the Salisbury and Marigot constituencies respectively will go head-to-head with United Workers Party (UWP) candidate Hector John and former prime minister Edison James of the respective constituencies.
A by-election was necessary under the constitution following the vacating of the two seats by the Speaker of the House of Assembly due to the John and James’ non attendance at the nation’s parliament earlier this year.
Candidates from both parties have expressed confidence in winning their seats as the days drew near to the election date.
If the DLP is successful at the polls, the two seats will be added to their 18 seats won which they won during the December 20009 general elections.
However, the opposition party, if successful will regain the seats and an opportunity to represent these constituencies at parliament.
Presently the UWP holds one seat; the Roseau Central Constituency by Norris Prevost. The party won three of the 21 seats during the 2009 general elections.
Many have speculated that if the DLP is victorious at the polls today, Dominica will be closer to becoming a one party state. DLP officials have denounced that perception. Legal Affairs Minister Ian Douglas has since said that the laws of the Commonwealth of Dominica do not make provisions for a one-party state.
Dominica News Online will keep you posted as the day goes by.
the constituents of marigot and salisbury are steadyfast and committed to the U.W.P,NO LABOUR ! it looks like there are some sensible people left in Dominica.
If Labour would win Salisbury and Marigot that would have to go down in the world book of record. Let’s keep our fingers cross..
The Devil is at work is more like it.
Breaking news Labour win in Marigot and Salisbury that would be a sweet post for later in the day DON Lmao hahahah