Linton clears the air regarding his party’s position on electoral reform

Linton at a UWP press conference. File photo

Opposition Leader, Lennox Linton has sought to clear the air and to further explain statements he made in relation to electoral reform and what he believes is preventing the process.

Attorney General, Levi Peter who was a guest on a recent Q-95 Hot Seat programme, said the leader of the opposition had stated that he was satisfied that the Bills to amend the House of Assembly Elections Act put forward by the government would achieve the objectives of the introduction of Identification Cards for the purpose of voting, and a clean register.

Peter produced an audio recording of Linton in which he [Linton] can be heard saying, “The news now is that the government will no longer pursue the amendments to the House of Assembly Elections Act that involved tampering with the provisions for criminalizing bribery and treating in elections. So they’ve taken out those amendments but they coming back with  some other things which, as far as I’m concerned, are good and will work for the benefit of upgrading the legislation to the new environment [in which] we’ll be voting with ID cards.”

“They did do that,” Linton confirmed in reference to the government’s withdrawal of the amendment which he claims was seeking to legitimize bribery and treating. He was speaking during a recent interview on Q95FM.

“I also said, he continued, “that they made some other changes which seem to be okay…but…I went on to express my reservation and indeed my party’s objection, to the amendments to the Registration of Elector’s Act that are seeking to facilitate the [Electoral] Commission  to confirm people on the register at select registration offices overseas.”

Linton added, “We believe that all confirmations or re-registration should be done in Dominica where we vote for the government and that is what the attorney general and others have singled out as the final sticking point which is why they claim they cannot proceed with the amendments.”

The Opposition Leader maintains that the “independent” Electoral Commission has sufficient authority under the existing law, without the proposed amendments, to proceed with the elements of reform that have been widely agreed to, across Dominica and on which there is broad consensus.

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52 Comments

  1. Joseph John
    June 12, 2019

    My last point on this issue. Is Skerrit a fair political competitor ? I say yes. He had the option of calling it in 2018 when the DLP was the only party in a position to contest. But he did not for obvious reasons. Plus he did not want to be stereotype as a cheater.
    When the Hon Linton stomp on every protocol and security measures when he inserted himself in the Heads of Government Conference in Guyana he could have made Linton pay dearly. Cause him to be declared persona non grata, withdraw his diplomatic passport , and move a motion of no confidence in him. He would be gone because Skerrit controls the majority of the votes in Parliament.
    Also Francis and Linton could be censured for getting arrested, dismissed and a by-election or election could be called.
    But Skerrit is a FAIR and generous equality man and the Great Leader. He does not kick a man when he is down. He is an Adlerian. He has a psychoeducational focus
    Linton displays problematic behavioral patterns.

  2. Joseph John
    June 11, 2019

    Election Reform has become the centerpiece, the burning issue, of the political debate in Dominica . Free and fair election is a must because we value democracy and its the cornerstone of every democratic country. The advocacy is that we cannot have a democratic government or country without free and fair election.
    Have we been having free and fair elections over our last 60 years ? Have laws, procedure and practice been changed in anyway ? Is the political playing field made uneven ? Does the law put anyone or party at a disadvantage ? My premise says no !
    First, identification, we want ID cards. But we all know each other, and party’s agents are at every poling stations to verify and identify voters with the voters list. If you are an imposter you have a problem. If your name is not on the list for/at that polling station you have a problem
    An other important element is the sanitization of the voting list. No dead people allowed. But no procedure is recommended so far.

    • Linton Supporter
      June 11, 2019

      Based on your analysis of this matter, you should ask DOMLEC to discontinue your electricity, you should not use the internet, therefore you should not be using this online forum. You should get rid of your cell phone or your online banking. Or what about water, maybe you should go back to the river or stand pipe or pit latrines. Were you already born in the last 60 years, do you know how many decades ago that is? I rest my case. Stop your poor analysis about if it work a hundred years ago, it can work today.

      • Man bites dogs
        June 12, 2019

        @Linton Supporter, Your comments to above do not make any sense at all. What have all that crap you wrote have to do with anything Mr Joseph John writes!!

        • Linton Supporter
          June 12, 2019

          This just explain the lack of ability in you to understand figurative writing. Based on what Joseph John is concluding, there should be no electoral reform because it worked 100 years ago, we are in 2019 and not 1919. Therefore, society evolve and in so doing the system that are put to govern needs to be adapt to these changes. Im really not surprised you didnt get the point. No wonder you dont seem to understand Mr. Linton too.

          • Joseph John
            June 12, 2019

            Big lie. I used 60 years as my time frame not 100.
            I know as facts that government of today began with the Colonial Executive branch of government, then it moved to the ministerial system followed by Associated Statehood then Independence.
            My question (premise) is that there have been no change in the system. No one hollered that Dominica’s election is not free and fair. That the political field in not even and slants in favour of any political party. When laws and procedures were put in place Skerrit was not yet born.
            It is not “free nor fair” to blame him for the present state of affairs. They say he is on the political scene for the last 20 years , so why blame him. Oh yes to stereotype him as a bad guy, a dictator.
            Electoral reform with no overview of the Constitution is not acceptable. It may be desirable but is not a must have. There should be no outcry of ” No reform, no election”. We can have election without reform.
            Elections with or without reform. O.K…

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Flat Tire
      June 11, 2019

      We all know that people like u Joseph john are one of those who benifit from the corrupt system and will do what ever it takes to keep roosvelt and his gang in power. All about self not country

    • Joseph John
      June 11, 2019

      Then there is the questions of overseas voters and campaign finance. Again we see an even field. All what is available to the DLP is available to the UWP. Linton has been overseas raising funds. Even this month (June) the uwp is raising funds in New Jersey. They were in north America and the Caribbean raising funds earlier this year. Then they have people with quid pro quo promises to help finance their campaign, and campaign for them.
      What makes anyone believe that someone will vote for anyone on a promise. People will take your gift and vote for your opponent.
      The only advantage the party in power seem to have is one of surprise as far as the election date goes. But the opposition is boasting that they are ready like Freddy. The cut off date for election is common knowledge.
      Free and fair electoral procedures are in place. The playing field is even.
      Opposition forces are shouting Electoral Reform because they want to look like the good guys. Election Reform may be needed.

    • Joseph John
      June 11, 2019

      Election reform may be in order. We need to ensue that we are on a par with acceptable democratic practices, but there is no need to rush because the state of affairs is even and equal.
      We need proposals and collaboration in an unbias manner. This is not a partisan issue. Does the process command Constitutional amendments. That should be the first step, the first overview, but there is no word on this…yet.
      But there is nothing that should prevent the next election without reform.
      We cannot support the opposition out cry of “No election without electoral reform”

    • June 12, 2019

      Trick star…singing for supper

    • Ibo France
      June 12, 2019

      The only thing that does not change is change itself. Nothing remains static. There are no perfect system. There’s always room for improvement. When was the last time you took your medication, John John? I’m very much concerned your sanity, Johnny Boy. Have you gone back on that Vodka? If so, keep your distance. You just cannot be sane or sober to write such ridiculous nonsense. Keep away from that bottle.

  3. Flat Tire
    June 11, 2019

    When you have clowns like Anon, joseph john,mammy, gee joseph,kid on the block, Mammy and facially challenged capitolin believing anything laba say then Levi knows the congregation he is preaching too

    • June 11, 2019

      @ flat tire, welcome to the club, you believe and swallow every bit of garbage fed to you by your corrupt UWP party, a very dishonest party to the bone. Unlike you, i could never support a party that gives comfort to alleged child molesters and traffic in diplomatic passports to help finance their campaign. So stop your hypocrisy and tell your wiçked party to get honest and practice what they preach. Your party can have American citizens as members of their party and cabinet members, but when it is done by others according to your hypocritical party it is a crime. Bunch of loosers!!!

      • June 12, 2019

        Annon.sartee sot…go take a rest…clean the list and give voter i.d card.create a balance society

      • Ibo France
        June 12, 2019

        Anon, your pathetic juvenile tantrum doesn’t perturb anyone surfing on the Blue Tidal Wave to victory. The unstoppable Blue Tidal Wave is rapidly building momentum. Your loose and frivolous accusations do nothing to stop the inevitable at the polls. No more would you go to the Red Clinic with outstretched hands trampling on your neighbors. The economy will be up and running like a well oiled machine.

    • ?????????????
      June 11, 2019

      Flat tyre why not ask your leader to give his suggestions as to how he thinks that the procedure for what he proposes can be done before the next general election as he suggested at the forum. Also it is high time for persons to think for themselves and not be a follower of any trash put into their head. Flat tyre inflate your tyre and think hard and listen and objectively speak. Put head in gear before mouth is opened. B4 you call others clown check to see if you also fit in the same category as them.

    • Joseph John
      June 12, 2019

      Thanks for the “clown” complement. According to Shakespeare clowns were the smartest in many kingdoms. There were smarter than kings and bishops.
      Now I say flat tires are not so smart. They can only exhale and blow out blue stale air. They become empty and useless and end up as trash.

  4. mine
    June 11, 2019

    This pic means a thousand words, hands in pockets no kind of professionalism.

    • Linton Supporter
      June 11, 2019

      Someone hand in his pocket compare to the abuse of the Dominican people. Do you ask whether this is professionalism? The many victimizations going on, maybe even some of your relatives are being victimized, is that professionalism. When state money is being blown all over the place for votes, is this professionalism? Why dont you educate yourself on what is professionalism? DNO please publish an article on professionalism in governance for your readers.

    • June 11, 2019

      @mine June 11, 2019

      I am glad to see that someone else notice it! That posture here is we what we call “highty-tighty” in Dominica. It means proud, haughty, conceit, and everything that is against humility. That is who Lennox Linton is; there is nothing humble about hm.

      That is why he needs to read what God said at 1st. Corinthians 1: 26-29, here it is from apostle Paul:

      26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.

      27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;

      28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,

      29 so that no flesh should glory in His presence.

      The honor and the merits belong to God alone; it doesn’t belong to us.

    • Joseph John
      June 12, 2019

      This posture is that of a preditor. The body language and the crocodile smile tells it all. Its like the pose of a use car salesman trying to sell a lemon (a boggy), very deceitful and cunning.
      Remember how easily he got money to pay his legal bills re Pinard -Bird. Up to now no one knows how much he got (transparent ….not). Up to now he has not said thanks to anyone (appreciative….not).

  5. Pipo
    June 11, 2019

    But no mention of the court hearing today in which the opposition leader is charged with public incitement, presumably leading to a coup and overthrow of government? As I understand it this hearing will be closed to the public and the press. Sorry, but how can anyone expect a fair hearing like this? I believe we are still a democratic country with a fair and open legal system. I would expect something like this in the Soviet Union in the time of Stalin or China but not in Dominica, never in my wildest imagination. Are we a one-part state? No!

    • Ibo France
      June 11, 2019

      Your protestations are quite in order. For charging Mr. Linton with public incitement when the man repeatedly used the word ‘peace’ numerous times to implore his supporters to be on heir best behavior is nothing but political harassment and persecution. For the public to be barred from court for a public hearing of the case is dictatorship gone mad. Democracy has undoubtedly been replaced by totalitarianism. Skerrit keeps close company with Russia, China and other dictatorial regimes now he has caught their fleas. We MUST never again let the country fall into the hands of any corrupt, dishonest, incompetent individual again. Vote Skerrit and his enablers into eternal exile.

      • June 11, 2019

        I hope if the UWP by some chance happen to get into government, they will afford the citizens that oppose them the rights that they are now demanding: to threaten the police, burn private business, block roads, burn polling stations and threaten to do harm to police and their families. But we know what to expect, Edison declared a state of emergency during a by election in Mahaut to prevent the Freedom party from having a meeting. The current Opposition states if his party forms the government the denigration of individulas because of their politics will not be tolerated, is that a threat to stiffle free speech?

        • Joseph John
          June 11, 2019

          Anon, fate is not that cruel. UWP will never be voted into the corridors of power. If that happens Dominica fenibat. We will not be able to bat an eyelid. It will be worst than Erica, Mathew, Maria and David and three volcanos all roll into one big catastrophic force or worst.
          Those mobsters have no regard for law and order, no moral and no ethics. No regard for procedural practice. Anything is ok for them, and they will never change. They are addicted to misbehavior and mischief.
          Just look at their tract record.
          The silent majority can see right throw their scams and gimmicks. The uwp can only talk and make trouble.

      • June 11, 2019

        Dominicans don’t allow yourself to be fooled in any way look what Russia Putin did during the American election that allowed Trump to win, and if any of you are following the Mueller Investigation into the Russians invading the election and how they went about getting the result they wanted which was Trump, So don’t believe that they cannot do it in Dominica because they can just to give Skerrit another five years or becoming the first dictator. This is a very serious election it’s not just about cleaning the list and ID cards, it’s a lot more than that so my people be careful our little Island Dominica is important to all of us don’t allow any one to derail us. Change is a must and it’s not about Parties or Leaders it’s about Dominica and it’s people and the Rule of Law.

      • ?????????????
        June 11, 2019

        Ibo France were you at the Parish Hall or did u not listen. If you did u would have heard how the persons outside behaved and also how your hero in his opening comments directed or even ordered the police to open the gates so the malkasay mob would come in to create chaos and confusion.

      • Gary
        June 12, 2019

        Why do you write such things as though it’s a fact. You are living within the confines of your political partisan beliefs which has imprisoned you. Did you hear Linton address the crowd during the Feb. incident in 2017, did he repeatedly used the word ‘peace’ numerous times to implore his supporters to be on their the best behavior, LOL. Why don’t you go and bear witness for Linton in Court if such is the case. What do you hope to achieve by fabricating the truth. How long you can sustain such propaganda.

    • RandyX
      June 11, 2019

      You see that’s the thing. That crime minister now even orders closed court hearings. This has nothing to do with democracy anymore but rather a full blown dictatorship. He does not want the public to hear what’s going on in this courtroom. There is no case to answer in the first place. It’s all down to this madman’s paranoias. How long are Dominicans going to tolerate this kind of nonsense. Hasn’t it gone on for long enough.

      • Gary
        June 11, 2019

        There is a saying, wrong assumptions occur from limited knowledge. How can the PM order The Courts to be closed. When you write such foolishness how can you be expected to be taken seriously. Is The PM a crime minister, wow, so long.

        • Toto
          June 12, 2019

          Didn’t you hear him say I Run things in Dominica then Gary? You don’t think your PM joking do you Gary.
          If he says he run things he does believe he run things including the legal system Gary, trust me. Is he that saysc that no law or constitution can stop him. Don’t tell me your hero PM does tell lies Gary.

          • Gary
            June 12, 2019

            When The PM said he runs things in Dominica, he gave the scenario as to what he was referring to, and that is what he was elected to do and there is nothing illegal in what he did. To believe such statement literally and suggest that he run things may include the legal system says a lot about your ability to listen and place things in the context as to what was said can only be described as ludicrous. Here again you are doing the same thing as RandyX making assumptions with limited understanding, would you also say he run the banks as well.

            As to the other statements no law or constitution can stop him. This again is taken out of context. The PM was saying that he is qualified to contest the 2009 general elections and there is nothing in the law or the Constitution that prevents him from doing so, and yes he was right when he won in Court.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • June 12, 2019

      Who run tings in dominica? I sort.you sort.we all sort but one day we will be enlightened…

  6. Ibo France
    June 11, 2019

    The Skerrit’s regime, after Maria, has repeatedly touted that they will build back stronger and better. The suggested electoral reforms will most definitely make the Dominica’s democracy stronger and better. Then what’s the reason for this monumental effort, by the government, to stymie these must needed electoral reforms? This administration is just about empty words certainly not about concrete actions. Dominica, under Skerrit’s stewardship is in rapid decline of democratic norms and practices.

  7. TJ
    June 10, 2019

    What is the fair? The opposition leader is correct. Let the change we want come immediately. Those of us living under labor’s tiranny should vote.

  8. LaPlaine Observer
    June 10, 2019

    Electoral reform remains one of the biggest threat to the DLP. Every Dominican should be in support of electoral reform because it shows that we are destined to keep free and fair elections where we all can be satisfied with the results.

  9. 💕Me💕
    June 10, 2019

    Yes you have the foot in mouth disease as usual. Why do you always have to clarify your position? Can’t you just take a position and stand by it. Example, you have been advocating about diaspora voting, now you are singing a different tune. After you supporters burn down Roseau, your first statements were, they are frustrated. Again you piggyback and condemn the fire. Other topics, the red clinic, the CI B, the hospital, the NEP, the We Care Program. Just Who Are You. Since you are parrot just repeating, I don’t think you could survive away from your Confort zone.

    • RandyX
      June 11, 2019

      …and you have the red fever and you have it badly. Your master must be paying exceedingly well for you to write this kind of BS day in day out!

      • 💕Me💕
        June 11, 2019

        Randy, Yes I LOVE the red fever, than to be blue vex. Uncle Sam is my master, while your master is a functional parasite.

        • June 12, 2019

          Girl shut up..go clean your self bcus 19 years you seeing your suzee none stop so therefor you love red

          • 💕Me💕
            June 14, 2019

            St, Joe Gutter Rat, it’s not surprising as the male observer you have your Suzy Too. Only low down dirt will stoop to try and diss a woman by mentioning Suzy. I also think you have a M O T H E R. Boy You really like that, Stay Blue Vex, copycat.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • Joseph John
          June 12, 2019

          Me he is the TROUBLE MAKER IN CHIEF and like a Judas goat he leads his followers to distruction…Do you know what D-Day was. On the beaches of Normandy over 7 thousand people dead in 1944. This Judas goat is the demon of death.

    • Linton Supporter
      June 11, 2019

      Mr. Linton always have to clarify because of the labourites lack of competency to understand simple english. They want to air one sentence and not the entire context of his message, a word has meaning based on the context. It is so pathetic, that you think that the disciplined supporters of the UWP are the ones who were involved in violence. You need to look at the UWP supporters in the communities, they are the business owners, self employed people and the technocrats, you will not see them on the block, idle waiting to beg, they sure not idle hands. And I can also name many policy decisions that the DLP copied as a result of Mr. Linton articulating the UWP plans for Dominica. Therefore, you know who is the parrot, NOT Mr. Linton.

      • ?????????????
        June 11, 2019

        Are you serious???? Who are those who are always angry???? Who remainded outside of the Parish Hall gate when they were not allowing more persons into the forum???? Who were calling persons names???? Who were cussing the police and threatening to ram into the closed gates???? Who were like a mob outside of the gate making a lot of noise etc. I am not giving hearesay I was there. All the labour supporters when they could not come in, went home. There was a church meeting too. So disgraceful those persons. What you saying Linton Supporter????

        • An observer
          June 12, 2019

          They were the labourites because they believe their party run things so they can do anything including you. The UWP supporters are too busy!!

  10. Ibo France
    June 10, 2019

    Skerrit and his leeches are trying desperately to muddy the water surrounding electoral reforms. Here is what the majority of electors want. A complete re-registration of eligible voters exclusively done in Dominica. This is to ensure that the list is not bloated and everyone vote in the correct constituency. There should be voter’s ID cards to prevent ‘double dealing’. There must be Campaign Finance Reforms as elections should not be for sale. Equal access by all serious political parties to State media as every party deserves to be heard. A set election date should be part of the reforms. No Prime Minister should have such a huge advantage of having the election date in his back pocket and pull it out when it is convenient to him and his party. Only a corrupt and an unscrupulous administration would block any changes that would enhance or strengthen democratic practices in the country.

  11. Frogman
    June 10, 2019

    Get your hands out of your pockets and present yourself like you mean business for goodness sake. You look like someone who would rather be somewhere else. This country needs dynamic, enthusiastic leaders – you look like you really couldn’t care less.

  12. Peeping Tom
    June 10, 2019

    “‘They did do that,’ Linton confirmed in reference to the government’s withdrawal of the amendment which was seeking to legitimize bribery and treating. He was speaking during a recent interview on Q95FM.”

    DNO, are you aware of an amendment that was or is proposed by the Government that sought to “legitimize bribery and treating?” If you are, kindly publish the amendment that sought to do so.

    ADMIN: Thank you for pointing this out. We noticed this reporting error before coming across your comment and had it changed.

    • KID ON THE BLOCK
      June 11, 2019

      Peeping Tom, this is not by error. There are many more incorrect instances before this one. Its like the mice that keep eating the cheese. When caught, claim is the first time. The damage has been done so trying to correct it now means nothing. They are aware of what THEY do hoping it will go unnoticed and their supporters will have a field day on it.

      ADMIN: We have admitted our error publicly and made the correction. The only one here hoping their supporters will have a field day on it is you.

  13. Truth 2 Power
    June 10, 2019

    On the back foot AGAIN

  14. %
    June 10, 2019

    I do not trust anyone with the faintest tie to this so called DLP going abroad to selected locations to confirm or reconfirm anyone. It is just a matter of TRUST, and this DLP has done enough during its 20 years in office to earn the distrust of all right thinking Dominican… Additionally, once you cannot go to all capitals all over the world, this will disenfranchise many.
    We need our ID Card though, and a cleansing of the bloated list!!!
    S m g
    S m g
    L S m g n

  15. June 10, 2019

    Be mindful of distraction by deception.

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