“The calling of an early election is no grounds to throw an emotional political tantrum,” political scientist Alex Bruno has said while addressing the opposition’s stance of “no reform, no election.”
During a nearly one-hour Facebook live yesterday, the general secretary of Team Unity Dominica (TUD)- the only opposition party contesting against the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) in the upcoming general election- used the opportunity to criticize the decisions taken by the three other opposition parties to not contest the snap December 6 general election, due to the absence of the long-awaited electoral reform.
While acknowledging that Dominica’s political system needs to be reformed, Bruno opined that the country is now at the crossroads of a major shift in Dominica’s politics.
He stressed, “I will say again, that this notion of no reform, no election is a and `is probably even a fraud notion. You can call for reform and say it is a necessary prerequisite in a democracy to have free and fair elections. But to sell the people this false hope is not fair. “
Bruno further declared that the mantra which is now widely used by the opposition parties and a few civil organisations, is only hurting a lot of people who believe that they will be able to stop the elections from taking place.
He adds that it has been discussed for far too long and has now become an old strategy, which will get those who have adopted it nowhere.
With nominations taking place this past Friday- November 18- and six out of the 21 constituencies already being declared for the incumbent DLP, because no other candidates were nominated, he asserted that opposition parties have done nothing but given more authority to the Prime Minister.
While many have said that the election may be delegitimized by the international and regional community if no one participates, Bruno labelled such as a misguided theory.
“The notion that the world will see and they will come to our rescue is a fallacy,” he stated. “Yes, pressure will be brought to bear if let’s say, no one went up and all 21 seats were given no, that would have been the ideal situation for the man who wants the ideal situation and a total blackout on the authority and administration of our country.”
He went on to stress that such a situation will never benefit the people of Dominica, hence the reason his team decided to “step up” and contest the elections.
Bruno further deemed the opposition’s choice to abstain from the elections as unwarranted, stating, “there is also no excuse for giving up what you have and staying outside and making noise for the things that you had.”
According to the political scientist, the strongest place for the opposition which forms part of the legislature of the government is the parliament, therefore removing themselves is nothing more than an “emotional reaction to a lot of wrongs.”
“Now, I’m not saying that what the Honourable Prime Minister has done is right. It can’t be right that you can just willy-nilly do this because you have the power to do what you want every time and I think you can get away with it…so I get it. But I do not get it that you retreat. You surrender and then you’re going to fight. How the heck you can surrender, retreat, and fight after that? It doesn’t make sense. You have to fight,” he declared.
According to him, the minority who are shouting against what he is doing is comprised of nothing more than “bullies and political troublemakers” who he alleges have benefited nothing for the past two decades.
He further aired that history has not been kind to parties who have taken the decision that the opposition has.
Though he alluded that the prime minister has the right to call a snap election, Bruno is also of the view that the constitution should be amended to include a fixed date for elections to better prepare all political parties.
His comments did not sit too well with many, including Chiketo Thomas who reacted by stating that no party in Dominica can win an election without reform.
“So [what] I am trying to understand is, you think they should go in this election knowing that they’re going to lose the election without reform, is that making sense?” the Facebook user commented.
Throughout the hour, Bruno failed to address his party’s plans, only alleging that TUD had 15 candidates go into nomination, but chose to only nominate five as he says, “that was enough and that’s all that I can say for now. Parties do things for a particular reason.”
Many of the viewers highlighted this as a deficiency.
“But Alex you only have five candidates, what will your five do?” asked Victorious AsGod’splan
“Alex talk about your plans and stop focusing on UWP. We know what they are saying already tell us what you saying and what you going to do,” Valda Bruno-Durand also added.
Prince BEE, also urged the political scientist to discuss TUD vs DLP.
Other comments came from Claudius Sanford who called on Bruno to stop his attack on the UWP, as he notes that such actions “[make] you appear that you are actually rejoicing that the DLP has mastered the art of stealing elections.”
The opposition supporters are the reasons why they are always losing elections
(1)In the 2019 election UWP lost 1,163 of their supporters up to this day they have never discussed it.
(2) In the same 2019 the election observers tasked with monitoring the election said,the election was FREE and FAIR and reflected the will of the PEOPLE,according to the electoral LAWS of Dominica.None of the opposition supporters have posted a comment on,or mentioned it.
Electoral reform is a RECCOMMENDATION and the government does not,by law,have to accept it.As we can see the majority of the Dominican PEOPLE are not interested in election reform.The opposition know they cannot win an election so they are using election reform.The Dominican PEOPLE spoke when they kicked UWP out of office,it was not because of electoral reform.It was because of massive corruption,victimization and greed.The Reengineered Citizenship Programme(between1995 and 2000) stands out.Alex is right Bruno.Election reform is a…
The electoral reform that th UWP saying is the reason why they are not contesting is a smokescreen and a sharm.
The real reason is that UWP is headless and they are not really. Big up to Alex Bruno and TUD for filling in about 6 candidates, whilst WORKERS cant fill in ONE. over the past 3 or so elections, the Freedom Party was unable to send up candidates. Where the protesting electoral reform back then?
Well UWP joins DFP in unable to get candidates, hence their reason they are not contesting
Alex boy you will get what you looking for Just keep doing what you doing
Alex why don’t you behave yourself leave Dominicans in their business to VOTE.
If you was interested in the people of Dominica why did you gave up your citizenship and took up one in America. I wonder weather you voted in the election in the U.S.A and want to come here and run your mouth. Stop taking ( bribe) if so to talk nonsense. Stay where you live.
Alex Bruno, party will be I trust the main opposition party to labour party next general election, that bunch of disgusting aholes called so-called workers clowns it’s time to get out of here!
Why would Alex Bruno refer to a demand for electoral reform in Dominica as a fraud notion ? Where has Dominicans committed fraud ? where is the criminal wrong doing by the people of Dominica ? where is the deception intended to result in financial gain by the people of Dominica ? well, see who is the fraud. A man who wants to be relevant in the politics of Dominica has just shown us the power of greed. Dominicans do not simple dismiss Alex Bruno, we MUST reject him because he is one selfish Mother……
Mr. Bruno , you say you are a Political Scientist. To o say that the phrase”No reform, No Election” is a fraud notion is totally disingenous. It means that you did not fully understand the phrase as it relates to Dominica’s Electoral Laws. Please don’t complicate things. Please see below
1. The Main Opposition parties boycott the Election
2. Labour Party puts up 21 Nominees
3. Labour Party is given 21 Seats by Declaration
4. They form the Government
5.THERE IS NO ELECTION
Tell me. Would you like to be a Government of a DEMOCRATIC Country where all YOUR SEATS were GIVEN to you and THE PEOPLE DID NOT VOTE for you.? That sitiuation would be very untennable. Let your concience be your judge.
When people like you see an opportunity to “Place yourself” the urge becomes irrsistible. Your action benefits yourself. Don’t blame the Opposition. The UWP and Civil Societies are fighting to save Democracy in Dominica. You have made it more difficult. Stop being Selfish and…
I support you a100%. Alex you with your big ego it can not take you anywhere, you will remember as the so call want to be politician that betray the movement to stop that idiot they call skerrit. Skerrit is enjoying it but dominicans will remind you everytime they hear you or see you . Pappy would support the movement ,Alex you betray Dominicans and the attention you looking for you won’t get it. NO REFORM NO ELECTION.
“So [what] I am trying to understand is, you think they should go in this election knowing that they’re going to lose the election without reform, is that making sense?”
Mr. Bruno, at this moment I am the only person who is on the side of your message above, but I must speak my thoughts, as I know that the Opposition Parties have a minority of followers, and those people’s minds are not being broadened.
As per your passage above, I also believe it is a nonsensical idea, for the opposition to think that they cannot face a general election without an “election reform”.
What makes them think that the “reform” will give them a win, and what would they do if they still lose with that “reform”?
I think that their move is nothing but cowardice. Electoral reform has nothing to do with it, they lack firm confidence.
2019 is now 3 years ago, so if they cannot face this snap election, how would electoral reform save them just 2 years later?
Elizabeth, go roll your rosaries…
Say three our father, two and a half haily Mary..
You are as stubborn as Skerrit..
We don’t talk about Bruno no, no, no. We don’t talk about Bruno. Whenever I hear this guy or see his name I say No, No, No. Sorry Alex.
https://youtu.be/bvWRMAU6V-c
You all can hate the man all you want but he is right. On december 6th the election will be called. The DLP will sweep the island. Opposition members will cry and protest and burn stuff and then some will get arrested and then it will cool down and that will be that.
How many times have we seen that same story play out over and over? The leader of the UWP gave up and stepped down with no definite leader to replace him. The party is in complete disarray and 90% of the opposition people have zero understanding of how politics works. They think it’s some kind social media thing where if you make noise and have a whole bunch of emotional outburst you will get what you want. Nobody understands political strategy or nuance. Everything is black and white, no compromise. If you criticize them you working for Skerrit etc.
You can hate what the man say but time will prove he is 100% correct. You all need to change strategy because the way you going now isn’t working. Obviously
Sanford, you need to show me where how and when Dlp has stolen or is stealing an or any election.
You need to take the Caricom And OAS missions to court if you have any evidence that an election was stollen. Or else you will need to shut up. Stop misleading people, where are your morals and ethics if you can say that you out are a dangerous person.
Dear Mr. Bruno,
I know you are Dominica’s best and smartest political scientist and the most astute establisher of political parties. I’m convinced you know more about politics and political strategy than anyone who has come before you and anyone yet to come. Yor are no gormless fool incapable of recognising the bleeding deceit and fantasy fairy tale that the PM is selling. Of course, you must know that in 1983, when the Jamaica Labour Party called an election two years early – just as is being done here – the opposition PNP boycotted the polls to protest the JLP’s refusal to update the electoral roll, after having promised just that after winning the 1980 election. Sounds familiar? What a fraud notion it was by the PNP! What nerve they had to throw such emotional political tantrums!
Of course, several independent candidates and a few obscure parties – not like the TUD, as I won’t dare compare the TUD’s level of obscurity and irrelevance with that of anyone else – entered the fray and got 10% of the votes from the 2.7% voter turnout. Unlike you, the PNP was much too thick to recognise that it was selling people a false hope. Had you been involved at the time, I’m sure you would have shown the bullies and political troublemakers how foolish they were. Whom did they think they were thinking they could delegitimise a farce? And the gall they had to win the 1989 election! What a fraud notion it was, Mr. Bruno. But you know that. You know everything. Only you do.
🤣🤣 Alex leave that alone.
Dear Mr. Bruno,
I know you are Dominica’s best and smartest political scientist and the most astute establisher of political parties. I’m convinced you know more about politics and political strategy than anyone who has come before you and anyone yet to come. Yor are no gormless fool incapable of recognising the bleeding deceit and fantasy fairytale that the PM is selling. Of course, you must know that in 1983, when the Jamaica Labour Party called an election two years early – just as is being done here – the opposition PNP boycotted the polls to protest the JLP’s refusal to update the electoral roll, after having promised just that after winning the 1980 election. Sounds familiar? What a fraud notion it was by the PNP! What nerve they had to throw such emotional political tantrums!
Why would anyone with any clue ever elect them to any responsible pos
Alex you look like a Piax-Bouchian named: Pa Je Belle. Go take a hike.
Alex Pawol Bruno is a fraud and a stain on Dominica politics that we need to fight.
Mr Bruno I lamebted that UWP has given the entire country to the DLP and will regret that move. The three seats gave up just like that. You should put sense in workers head. Yes no reform no election. But they are out TUD will be the next opposition.
Anyone who votes for this guy and his opportunistic mob needs their head examining. The only way to ‘beat’ Skerrit is to embarrass him by not voting.
Mr. Bruno even a baby can see right through you. You have zero Credibility and zero Integrity. I think you are talking about yourself when you talked about political troublemakers, cause that’s exactly what you are. Your mission to make things difficult for the UWP has been compromised. Keep making a nuisance of yourself little boy.
Alex you looking for relevance?
No reform no election began since last election boss
i see you as an fraud opposition party.
no reform no election movement started in 2019 by honest hard working voters padna ,,,,not UWP
so who you attacking really……..whose vote you looking for
you sound like a spoiler and sell out!!!
as a political scientist you playing serious politics………..i don’t take you seriously
you could have sought to enlighten us voters on de issues of electoral reform………you seem to brush it aside but then you going into an election with skerrit.
skerrit doh ask you to do a survey for him dis time around?
like you see an opportunity to be opposition leader ……..without advocating for de people issues.
as a political scientist you missing a great opportunity to lead ………since you following skerrit so well that he doesn’t know your party exist
you doesn’t mention his name and he doesn’t mention yours
what a coincidence
We may have to hold Bruno equally accountable as Skeritt for playing Hoopsies with the citizens of Dominica. Such persons shouldn’t be tolerated. He is a threat to democracy in Dominica. A real modern day Judas.
There is a universal name for a person like that, although it is French: “agent provocateur”.
Alex !!!!! what a disappointment, Bro get down from your high horse and do the right thing. What happen, you have something to prove ,your action show’s what way you think that’s not gonna take you nowhere .The thing people said about you is really true skerrit buy you for real. What is your simbol ,is it the sock to put in the red shoes ? man you are a joker. NO REFORM NO ELECTION.
Finally, the true Alex Bruno has ‘come out’ of the political closet and is now exposed and naked.
Alex the gig is up- after his shame election and your secret liaison with this guy who occupies Dominica’s highest office, your dignity and respect has been permanently destroyed. I suggest you migrate to Tahiti- or go hide under a rock you ‘mamaguer’
Every loser is jumping on Bruno.None of them can discuss the report of the 2019 election observers report.The 2019 general election held in Dominica was FREE and FAIR and,reflected the will of the PEOPLE.The election was conducted according to the electoral laws of Dominica.UWP won the 1995 general election with 11 seats and 34.86% of the votes,it mean that 65.14% voted against UWP,yet the formed the government.The electoral law is the party with the most seats win the election.A minority government ruled Dominica between 1995 and 2000.UWP and their know everything supporters did not know there was something called electoral reform.It was OK.When the same Alex Bruno told them they had 14 sure seats in the 2019 election they embraced him.I agree with Alex these people are a bunch of crooked liars.The made a complaint to the court,and turned around say the ccj say,when it is they who told the court in their complaint.UWP has never mentioned”if that is true” as mentioned by the ruling.
This mad Scientist there is a bought Scientist by SKerrit..
He knew Skerrit’s plan all along…
Merchaste !!
Aye DNO Admin, how was your weekend.
So…..uuuummmm……(how do I say this)………I was reading this article and I say let me practice a little spelling one time. I wonder if you can help me with the following:
There is a word that has the following meaning: “a person who exploits circumstances to gain immediate advantage rather than being guided by consistent principles or plans.”
How is that word correctly spelt nuh? Oportunist, Opportuniste, Opportunist?
Tenks.
P.S. – There are a number of faces that could be added next to that word in the Dominican Dictionary to further elucidate the meaning.
All where you go is CHAOS!!
Alex be honest you said that you have 15 candidates but send five. I don’t buy this story, Am wondering what can of pole you will come up with.
One particular sentence from a grieving Mark Anthony’s speech at the funeral of Julius Ceasar reverberates : “O judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts and men have lost their reason.” [William Shakespeare: Julius Ceasar]
Why don’t you keep all your foolish and biblical quotes to yourself? Nobody ask you to delve into a bible book.
Spoken like a true Skerrit disciple
I agree
1. There’s no way I could be against someone yet still refer to them as “Honourable”
2. There’s no way I l could be against someone, yet complain about the oppositions decisions & the protesters, especially when the opposition & protesters are RIGHT & Alex claims to agree with their stance
3. “Throughout the hour, Bruno failed to address his party’s plans, only alleging that TUD had 15 candidates go into nomination, but chose to only nominate five as he says, “that was enough and that’s all that I can say for now. Parties do things for a particular reason.””
That really stood out to me. And the fact that he won’t elaborte WHY but just says “that’s all I can say for now” says a lot about him & where he really stands
As I’ve said before, TUD is just really Labour in disguise. And a win for TUD is a win for Labour.
NO REFORM, NO ELECTION!!!!!
Here comes this nuisance again. Someone who severely lacks self-awareness. Mr. Bruno, you are a political non-entity.
You are trying mightily on DNO to be politically relevant. The harder you try the wider the chasm gets between the electorate and you. Every political party you have joined or formed you are branded persona non grata. You are toxic.
If according to you, what the Prime Minister has done is not right, why are you advocating that the opposition should take part in something that’s wrong.
Man all of a sudden, you seem to have a lot of loose screws in your head!!
Seek Help Brother!!!
The screws loose long time
MEME, Alex Bruno, never said that what the Prime Minister did is right–so to speak; his judgment that the opposition Parties should not boycott the election, because of their foolish “no election reform” context; for they are simply claiming that they cannot win an election without the “reform” and that is cowardice on their part. But you, that meg majority of their followers are blind to that truth–how sad!
Alex my boy you are dilutional and a fraud.
My partner I thought I knew you better but I was wrong. You sound like Skerrit trying endlessly to validate the fraud election that he Skerrit has imposed on our people. Do you know and understand what is a social contract with the people? Did you not hear the recent ruling by the court reference taints in our election? Did you not hear from Byron that even he did not expect elections in Dca before his recommendations and subsequent amendments to the electoral laws? Did you not read the constitution and see the various conflicts with Skerrit’s independence speech with Charlo sitting right on stage? Did you not comprehend that the said electors list has not been cleaned as required in our constitution?
Ok so why did you not come and run if you so believe that anybody that is nominated and stay in the process can win? You are nothing but a fraudster
!
NO REFORM, NO ELECTION!
Bruno wrong and right is the same , you knew the opposition was not contesting you are a political scientist why didn’t you contest the 21 , don’t blame the opposition the electorate also agrees that this dose not make sense .
I think Mr Bruno, you should find another line of work. You are the sole own of changing ideals. You are not a trust worthy person. You live in the USA. Please stay out.
The only frauds in Dominica are YOU and Skerrit. Get out of here!
Shut up Bruno! Nobody asked you. You for sure are done in DA.