On December 12, 2024, the Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC) issued a press statement urging the Government of Dominica to release the Electoral Reform Bill, which is set to be presented in parliament, today, December 16, 2024. Following that announcement, the ERC reports that it acquired a copy of “The Bills to be Tabled at Parliament – Government of Dominica Web Portal” and expressed deep disappointment over Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s decision to advance legislation that, they argue, overlooks critical recommendations and concerns raised by key stakeholders, including Sir Dennis Byron, the Organization of American States, CARICOM, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and citizens of Dominica.
In a preliminary review of the Electoral Reform Bills that are scheduled for discussion, the ERC asserted that the proposed legislation does not address the inclusive demands of a wide cross-section of the population or the significant contributions from the consultative process. They are especially critical of Prime Minister Skerrit’s claims of broad stakeholder consultation, labeling it as a “blatant falsehood.” The coalition contends that Skerrit has ignored, and at times ridiculed, their requests for discussions regarding the draft bills.
The political landscape in Dominica is characterized by a significant parliamentary majority for the ruling Dominica Labour Party, led by Skerrit, which holds nineteen out of twenty-one seats. This dominance allows the government to pass the bills with relative ease, raising skepticism around Skerrit’s assurance to allow for amendments by his party members during the initial parliamentary reading. The ERC highlights that this notion is misleading, as the ruling party has already expressed support for the existing legislation.
The coalition emphasizes that the bills slated for introduction do not align with the trust and expectations of the Dominican populace. In light of these concerns, the ERC is calling on all Dominicans, both domestically and internationally, as well as regional bodies such as CARICOM, the OECS, OAS, and the Commonwealth Secretariat, to urge Skerrit to withdraw the proposed Electoral Reform Bills. They advocate for a reconsideration of the critical recommendations that have been neglected in the current drafts.
As the parliamentary session approaches, the ERC is mobilizing citizens to show solidarity and make their voices heard in support of genuine electoral reform. They assert that, after twenty-five years of Labour governance and allegations of fraudulent electoral practices, the citizens of the Commonwealth of Dominica deserve the right to free and fair elections.
Red full statement by ERC below:
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