Concerned Citizens Movement calls for regional and international intervention to ensure free and fair elections in Dominica

The Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) has written to CARICOM Heads of Government and several other regional and international organizations and agencies requesting that a special mission be sent to Dominica to assess the situation in the country as it relates to electoral reform and to make recommendations to the government and Electoral Commission “to facilitate free and fair elections as required by the Constitution.”

In its letter, dated November 20th, 2018, CCM describes itself as a registered, non-political organization founded in February of 2014 because, according to the organization, some citizens were appalled at the blatant irregularities taking place ahead of the upcoming general election of that year.

The letter goes on to state that many people in the Commonwealth of Dominica now believe that the 2014 general election was so unfair that it has severely undermined the democratic process.

“For the last three general elections of 2005, 2009 and 2014, the ruling Dominica Labour Party government has manipulated the electoral process to their advantage to the extent that observers from both the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Organization of American States (OAS) have made recommendations for electoral reform in their subsequent reports of findings,” the CCM said….”The observers concluded that though the general elections appeared to be free, they were not fair.”

First among the four “dominant concerns” which the CCM highlights in its letter is a bloated electoral list.

“According to information received from the Electoral Office the September 2018 voters list revealed a total number of 70,645 electors whereas the last census showed a population of 71,293, which implies that 99.09% of the population can vote, notwithstanding the fact that the voting age is 18 years,” the CCM wrote.

The Movement is also concerned that although Dominica’s electoral laws make provision for Dominicans living overseas for less than five years to be able to vote in Dominica, the fact that the voters list has not been cleansed for more than twenty years makes it possible for them to vote illegally.

“Accordingly, for the last three consecutive elections, this bloated list has allowed the Dominica Labour Party-led government to violate the electoral laws of the country and import ineligible voters whose names are still on the electors list,” the CCM complained.

The CCM is also concerned by what it says is the lack of action by the Chairman of the Electoral Commission after having given the Dominican public the assurance that on or about 01st July 2017 a verification process would have gotten on the way, to facilitate the cleansing of the voter’s registry.

“Absolutely nothing in this regard has taken place and no valid reason or explanation was ever given to the public,” the CCM stated.

In addition, CCM is recommending identification cards for voting, equal access to the media and campaign finance reforms to include the disclosure of the source of funds for political campaigns.

“Therefore, we respectfully request, that in line with one of your organization’s key focus of promoting democracy and good governance, a Special Mission be mounted to Dominica to evaluate and assess the situation and make recommendations to the Government and Electoral Commission  to mitigate the potential conflict risk that can emerge with the present situation,” CCM stated in its letter. “The Government must allow the Electoral Commission to do its work in order to facilitate free and fair elections as required by the Constitution.”

The full letter is posted below.

Download (DOCX, 163KB)

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39 Comments

  1. Don2Fresh
    November 27, 2018

    Here are my questions on this matter:
    1. Why is a “voter’s ID required when we have other national ID such as passports, Social Security Card and drivers license what would the difference be?
    2. Why do we want to place an expiration date on our citizens? Because they don’t live here anymore? On any form, they sign as Citizens of the Commonwealth of Dominica, If they were to be detained, they would be sent back here. Also if they are citizens of this country, contributing to the economy here why can’t they vote.
    3. When a family member dies, are we not responsible for removing them from the list? If a dead person is allowed to vote, why are the officers at the polling stations allowing this? I have never heard any of them said anything?
    4. What is the honest continued objection to the CBI, RBI, EB-5 visa, Investor Visa (whatever we chose to call it)? Has it not proven to be a success?

  2. Man bites dogs
    November 27, 2018

    What are you lots so-called concerned Citizens is afraid of. Dr Skerrit government don’t have to steal any elections vote from you all workers calamity party hiding under the umbrella Concerned Citizens Movement my foot, Workers are dead in the water loser loser loooooosers get out of it.

  3. Mother
    November 27, 2018

    I believe Loftus is sincere but he must correct his letter heading to Concerned citizens etc. because correct grammar makes a better impression with the people outside. Besides, we want to teach our children properly. Thank you Loftus and good luck.

    • Joseph John
      November 28, 2018

      He has the right idea for contacts so hopefully he will use them positively is the future. He is just proving that you do not have to be in government to contribute in a positive way.
      Can any private individual make this kind of approach…..no name….no signature ?
      Can these entities get involved without being accused of sovereignty interference ?
      Did Concerned Citizen write anyone on his list of benefactors to extend a helping hand in times of disasters.
      Did they do anything to help re Maria or did they go M.I.A like the opposition forces

  4. blue blue
    November 26, 2018

    Loftus is a hypocrite when he says he and his movement is non political. Have you listened to this guy on Q95? What other evidence you need to realise that he and the CCM is just another arm of the UWP. Never have you heard this guy criticize the UWP or the leader of the UWP for the wrongs THEY do but day and night this guy is on Skerrit back. Loftus if you are non political do the right thing.

    • %
      November 27, 2018

      He should be on Skerrit’s back morning and evening too,because he is a wicked leader .The worst the region has seen ..
      Keep it up Lofty!!!
      Skerrit Must Go
      Skerrit Must Go
      LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

  5. Maryland
    November 26, 2018

    Here they go again, like if they clean the voter list, they will win; nonsense. All what mister them doing is aggravating the Dominican people to come out in larger numbers and reject them. Them man talking like we’re gullible, like a piece of leaf in the wind. Let me tell you, we stand on our own, we stand strong, we stand for Dominica and Skerrit we will follow. That horn the prophet blow last night have you guys trembling.

    • %
      November 27, 2018

      You are worse than a piece of leaf in the win. You are a leaf in a raging river ..So you don’t want electoral reform? You sound asinine, preposterous and insane…Your doggone evil man!
      What do you think of the political victimization of opposition politicians? It’s good for you,? Man get the hell out of there ..
      Skerrit Must Go
      Skerrit Must Go
      LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

  6. November 26, 2018

    “In its letter, dated November 20th, 2018, CCM describes itself as a registered, non-political organization founded in February of 2014” —–
    Loftus Durand
    Concerned Citizen Movement
    President

    Mr.Loftus Sir, how can you claim non-political when everything that you place of the news-board of DNO is always about politics? Where do you place the subject of Government elections if it doesn’t belong in the category of politics?

    And who are the concerned citizens that you are representing, pertaining to elections when the majority of the people in Dominica are satisfied with what they presently have?

    Sir, you are definitely advocating the things of politics, but for a minority people, along with the side of Political Party which you support, there is no question about that.

    I suggest that be honest with yourself and maybe, just maybe you might gain some strong support–believe it or not!

    • %
      November 27, 2018

      @liz for Satan
      Why is it that a supporter of evil like you are questioning a man like Lofty..? Stop poking your Labour Party nose in this issue.You are evil and wicked ..Go submit yourself to God.Your wicked soul.
      Skerrit Must Go
      Skerrit Must Go
      LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

  7. blue blue
    November 26, 2018

    Loftus is a hypocrite when he says CCM is non political. Have you listened to him on Q95? How else can you not believe that CCM is not another branch of the UWP?! This guy and his movement never ever once criticize the UWP and or the leader for the wrongs THEY do but attacks Skerrit day and night. Loftus if you and your movement is non political, do the right thing. Stop being one sided.

    • Me
      November 27, 2018

      How can we believe that you are blue blue??

  8. November 26, 2018

    Whether you support the government or not, you have to agree that the electoral list needs to be updated. Just imaging someone that have been Dominica for 40 years name still appears on the voters list.

  9. jungle
    November 26, 2018

    Thank-you Concerned Citizens Movement!
    Why does this have to be spelled out again and again?
    I guess because we’re dealing with a bunch of greedy numbskulls. Or is it just me?

  10. Ibo France
    November 26, 2018

    The electoral system should be incorruptible. All the loopholes should be thoroughly patched to avoid any form of shenanigans and skullduggery. The electoral system is the fulcrum on which our democracy rests. Skerrit has stubbornly and obstinately refused to yield on this most important issue of electoral reform. He has dismissed all calls, for many years, from even the most reputable regional and international organizations to institute urgent reforms to the present system. Why? As is,the present corrupt, fraudulent system gives his political party a greater probability of winning. As hard as this misleader and his surrogates try, nothing lasts forever, they shall meet their political demise.

    • KID ON THE BLOCK
      November 26, 2018

      You make no sense! Did you read over the BS you wrote?

      • Ibo France
        November 26, 2018

        You have no sense so I’m not taken aback by your brainless comments. In fact, that’s precisely what I’ve come to expect from someone of your caliber. To get you to understand most things is impossible. It’s like trying to nail Jello to a tree.
        P.S. Before you excoriate anyone, please make a conscientious effort to improve your bad spelling and atrocious grammar.

      • Pipo
        November 27, 2018

        This why you are a kid and Ibo a wise man.

      • RandyX
        November 27, 2018

        For somebody who left school at 10 it would not make sense. I guess some of the words in Ibos comment you see for the first time in your life. Yet again it remained neutral true, Skerrits supporters are not the brightest lights in the country!!

      • Man bites dogs
        November 27, 2018

        Ibo, I am not having a dig at you but if you are so clever as pretending to be why are you
        following Linton and his calamity clowns????

      • Ibo France
        November 27, 2018

        Man bites dog, do you really believe that this is the best the country can do under 18 consecutive years of Skerrit and the DLP ‘s governance? The country is retrogressing. The leader and the present crop of Ministers are stifling the aspirations of the young, old and middle aged citizens. Change is urgently needed. It has been eighteen years of misery, false promises, hunger, joblessness, pain, victimization, hopelessness and corruption. The poor can take no more. Man bites dogs, for you own good and for the betterment of the country, abandon the sinking ship.

    • %
      November 26, 2018

      @Ibo France
      I say Amen to this!!!!

  11. lol
    November 26, 2018

    Non-political organization,lol, pa pa met, some people have balls.

    • %
      November 26, 2018

      @lol
      So you did not know some people have balls?Others like you don’t have .I do have two very big balls,(footballs),reasons why i detest all Skerrit’s tricks,wickedness, chicanery and shenanigans.
      Skerrit Must Go
      Skerrit Must Go
      LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

  12. Green Gold
    November 26, 2018

    Isn’t election free and fair? I am free to vote who I wish to and I am not hindered from voting not is anyone else. Why all the hoopla.

    The same people who cry and beg for the so-called free and fair elections are the same ones who do all in their power to rub me of my democratic rights with all their protests and fighting and call it freedom. Perhaps freedom is too free in this country.

    • out of south city
      November 26, 2018

      NONSENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Neville
      November 28, 2018

      The big question remains: who are all those DEAD PEOPLE VOTING for and who is casting their vote?? How are all those people that left years aga voting for and who cast their vote in their absence?? Could it be the returning officers?? Just asking! People please open your eyes!!

  13. %
    November 26, 2018

    Very Good move . The bloated list is to maintain his reelection legacy…He only wins by stealing/deception…What a wicked leader and bad example.
    I am ready once more to put “Boots on the ground”.
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

    • Expat
      November 26, 2018

      Haven’t you learned ? Dominicans are not in the mood to follow you. Just look at what just happened a few days ago; the people were called to march to Roseau , how many showed up? You keep hearing that more money and help are coming to Dominica so you are full of envy. You want to see that money and help stop flowing. Let us wait to see who and or which organization is going to heed your call. To CCM, why wasn’t the letter copied to the Freedom party also ? Are you still upset at them? The last time I checked, the Freedom party is one of three political parties in Dominica. The CCM is a non political party my foot. You guys will be laughed at. Any intelligent person can see right through this smoke screen. A hint of advice: notify Trump and maybe he will send Mueller to investigate.

  14. WHAT!
    November 26, 2018

    There can never be a free and fair election in a society where the government, and by proxy, the ruling party has extended its reach into the pockets of its citizens as has happened in this society.

  15. Fairness
    November 26, 2018

    If Lotus and his movement is so non-political why didn’t he copy the other registered political parties in Dominica apart from UWP and Labour?

    • %
      November 26, 2018

      I heard Loftus on the Big Station Q95 FM last night mention all political parties by name.All shall get a copy..ALL
      You must listen to the Big Station.
      If Lofty is political and he wants free and Fair election for his country,then in this case being political
      is good,because free and Fair election forms the core of our democracy.
      Skerrit Must Go
      Skerrit Must Go
      LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

      • KID ON THE BLOCK
        November 26, 2018

        Where ever Skerrit Go WE will follow, WE will follow!

      • Expat
        November 26, 2018

        Omitting the Freedom party was deliberate and vindictive. Freedom party supporters must see this as a sign of disrespect.

      • %
        November 27, 2018

        @Expat
        You sound like a defeated Skerrit sycophant…Why are you so bitter? You thought that Skerrit would rule forever?Did they blow the horn on your bald head at the stadium on Sunday night? Well take what you deserve!!!!!
        Skerrit Must Go
        Skerrit Must Go
        LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

  16. UKDominican
    November 26, 2018

    It is clear that at least the impartiality of at least two members of the Dominica electoral commission is compromised. Both Alick Larence and Kondwani Williams are authorised agents for the Govt.’s CBI programme. They can only do so with the approval of the Prime Minister. It is he, who decides who ultimately is granted a licence to market our citizenships. I can not imagine that they would not follow the P.M.’s directives and so put their lucrative business in jeopardy. The chairman, Gerald Burton has similar constraints in that he needs governments permission to register his off-shore companies. As I see it. Roosevelt Skerrit can simply ignore the calls for electoral reform and run has campaign as hitherto. There will be no change unless he is removed as leader of our country.

    • Expat
      November 26, 2018

      My question to you: Who is going to remove him as leader of the country ? Do the math. Who is in the majority and who is in the minority ? Food for thougt.

      • Your auntie brother
        November 27, 2018

        Well you forget expat. God have a say in that too. Skerrit’s own God!!!!

      • Neville
        November 28, 2018

        The only reason they are in the majority because they have been rigging the last 2 elections. Now be a good boy and shut up. We are sick and tired of your labour propaganda

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