DFP seeks answers from Police Commissioner, Electoral Commission

Michael Astaphan is the leader of the DFP
Michael Astaphan is the leader of the DFP

The Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) has written to both the Police Commissioner, Daniel Carbon and Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Gerald Burton, concerning previous letters which the party said was never acknowledged.

In the previous letter to Burton, the DFP asked that Electoral Commission “investigate the damage your lack of action has caused thus far by instructing the Returning Officers for each constituency to have the Presiding Officers ask a question as to the qualification of voters.”

“You did not do so. You have failed Dominica again,” party leader Michael Astaphan said in the letter.

He pointed to the recount in the Grand Fond/Riviere Cyrique Constituency where Astaphan noted that neither the Chief Electoral Officer nor Electoral Commission went to confirm the results.

He said there have been reports of “gross breaches by the DLP representative during the recount with no admonition from the Returning Officer.”

The full letter from Astaphan is below.

In his letter to Carbon, Astaphan said prior to the general election on December 8, the DFP had “made specific allegations of bribery” to the police.

Additionally, he stated that Carbon was “formally informed that the conspiracy was already in motion” but no action was taken.

“You have taken no action and as such your failure to investigate credible allegations of violation of electoral laws constitute a dereliction of your duties as stipulated by the Police Act,” Astaphan wrote.

The full letter is below.

Letter to Daniel Carbon

Download (PDF, 2.22MB)

Letter to Gerald Burton

Download (PDF, 1.67MB)

 

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65 Comments

  1. March 30, 2017

    You made some nice points there. I did a search on the subject and found most persons will go along with with your site.

  2. Yoland J J
    December 19, 2014

    Michael looking just like a Taliban, is that the leader of what is left of the Freedom Party, Well for sure I will not follow you and the rest of the cwas freedom that went house to house in Roseau campaigning for U Will Perish (UWP) Miss Charles must be turning where ever she is in Rage, about what all you doing to the Dead. (the freedom party) If you wanted to challenge the electoral office and police you should have candidates in the last elections you could not even bring forward one candidate not even your self, but you writing letter Boy Michael go and shave your beard and look decent, any real freedomite that see your ugly bearded face, would run to the clean face leader of the Labour Party. as long as FREEDOM ASSOCIATE IT SELF WITH THAT EVIL UWP, IT WILL REMAIN DEAD, DEAD, DEAD. for ever in the mean time the EAL FREEDOMITES ARE NOW LABOURITES That was Mss. Charles last wish and we not coming back.

  3. gardens boy
    December 18, 2014

    Is there a party called freedom party

  4. December 18, 2014

    Shame on our so called leader ,,,who by all means are think of filling their pockets instead of taking care of the entire population,,,shame one day all this fraud will come to an end…

  5. Annon
    December 18, 2014

    Well it’s politics unusual … umm as usual. As much as I expected that win and they all did too, they really wanted Thompson to be there with Lennox in the opposition. But for Dominica’s sake there would be too many law suites and distractions with that duo in parliament.

    Skeritt’s side knew that too and allegedly did theit best to not let it happen. Efforts have to be made to right a wrong, but know when it’s time to move on, even though you don’t mean DLP well, but I do wish them well for the sake of Dominica.
    I sincerely hope they emphasize agricultural production.

  6. anonymous2
    December 18, 2014

    Good luck with these people.

  7. To ZUMA/ZUMBA
    December 17, 2014

    Surprised his cousin has not commented. With something like no request without representation lol! See DFP did not contest the election. Not one seat contested how the Fire Under Coffee Kettle ! Mike it’s like the phrase no taxation without Representation. lol Just making a joke/point.

  8. To ZUMA/ZUMBA
    December 17, 2014

    In the previous letter to Mr .Patrick Charles Jr-Burton, the DFP asked that Electoral Commission “investigate the damage your lack of action has caused thus far by instructing the Returning Officers for each constituency to have the Presiding Officers ask a question as to the qualification of voters

  9. me
    December 17, 2014

    Well done! Papa Smurf

  10. A Doubting Thomas
    December 17, 2014

    Mountain on a Fountain comes to mind. Is he the same person the UWP gave the contract to build the eye saw that was on the Bay Front that I understood never operated properly and had to be removed?

    DFP or UWP?

  11. RASTAFARILEADSTHEWAY
    December 17, 2014

    If Astaphan wants to help Dominicans he should reduce the price for a pound of back n neck! That is the extent of his influence.

  12. DANZIGER
    December 17, 2014

    Mammo said “Labourites and Freedomrites unite with each other, eles the bigger boss will take over” and today you on DNO singing all kind of tunes. Sir sing fr now till 2020 it will be Labour agian.

  13. December 17, 2014

    Our Pm must be laughing at This guy as he laugh at all those like him. The Pm must be say to Asto, Go to hell! Asto Go to hell, No law or constitution can stop even the Most Powerful Country on Earth listens when I speak. Wheel and come again Asto, cause is only a foolish Dog. I am not calling you that}”bark at a flying Bird. Asto man start working and forming a New party for the next Election is only then we will see you mean business. I think I may have heard MS Pestina saying. Try becoming the leader of the freedom party and see how much pressure that comes with that. Allegedly, well fellow Dominicans we are in dyer straight. They Afraid and all went into hiding. My opinion of course.

  14. December 17, 2014

    due to some of the comments i am glade i am from marigot not Dominica because Dominicans have no common sense they are just naturally foolish/stupid even if they are Educated.

  15. Barb-Sepant
    December 17, 2014

    You build your house with all new materials and you move in, but while you are going about your busy business, termites are settling in your foundation and walls threatening your entire investment/life. No different with politics; the government is your house and we know who the termites are: political termites at that, they’re a fact of life!

  16. Special 2
    December 17, 2014

    I think it is time we stop preaching and sowing seeds of hatred, jealousy and grips. The Labour party has won the election and workers won 6 seats increase of three. God work is at hand. “What you do to the lest of my brothers so you do unto me” The way we are behaving now is a typical we are not thanking God but upset and so this is exactly what we are doing – turning our backs on God because we do not like the results. That is a sin. Stop preaching hate – let us work together.

    So let us all go back to work and build the country please.

    Michael be at peace – We Freedomrite are not jealous and people who spread hate so you and Mr. B. rest and check your conscious because your support for the UWP you know is agaist your conscious but jealousy and hate has taken over all you heart, Cleanse my brothers.

  17. lovely dominica
    December 17, 2014

    Micheal go climb a tree

    • Caribbean man
      December 17, 2014

      @lovely Dominica……….., it is idiots like you who help created monsters like saddam hussein,Muammer Qadhafi, Idi Amin, Mugabe, Papa doc etc. I hope when the chicken come home to roost you can deal with it. Continue your blind support for Skerrit and you will see how far it will get you and Dominica. I can safely conclude that with the existence of the volume of Dominicans who think like you, the country’s future looks bleak. You will remember this post in the not to distance future………

    • yesterday
      December 17, 2014

      What tree??? One of your mother’s own???

    • The Facts
      December 17, 2014

      :lol: :lol: :lol: Michael rowed the boat ashore. Alleluia. :lol: :lol: :lol:

  18. national at heart.
    December 17, 2014

    Well done, Mr. Astaphans. Excellent and informative. We need people like you to continue to speak out for our democracy. If you don’t, very few would even dare. There are many more of us , like you, approximately 17000, who are looking for fairness, justice and true democracy to prevail in our beloved nation. Fight to the end and do not allow yourself to be muzzled. Freedom of speech is still the right of every Dominican. Scripture says, ” set your face as flint and do not be afraid of their faces”, of those who call evil good and good evil. May God help us all.

    • anon
      December 17, 2014

      @national at heart, once again ignorance is on display. Mr. Astaphan is well aware that the cheif elections officer cannot get involved in ballot counting. the law clearly stipulates who can be present at the preliminary count and at the final count the Cheif Elections officer is not one of those persons. What has to be asked of the voter by the presiding officer is scripted in law and cannot be changed unless by Parliament, how then can Mr. Astaphan expect the commission or the Cheif Election officer to change the verbage two days before an election? Again let us break the law to satisfy the UWP. Mr Astaphan should also supply concrete evidence of bribery and other election violations, not rumours and heresay, to the police. What Mr. Astaphan and the UWP is requesting the police to do is to embark on a witch hunt against specific targets. This would be the start of a POLICE STATE. The dictatorship in Dominica seems to be coming from the opposition UWP.

    • The Facts
      December 17, 2014

      After election, Dominica and nationals would do with some peace and tranquility.
      Unless every person lives in dignity, none of us can live in peace.

      Prayer of St. Francis Assisi For Peace

      Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace,
      Where there is hatred, let me bring your love.
      Where there is injury, your pardon Lord,
      Where there’s doubt, true faith in You.

      Make me a channel of Your peace,
      Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope,
      Where there is darkness only light
      And where there’s sadness ever joy.

      Oh Master, grant that I may never seek
      So much to be consoled as to console,
      To be understood as to understand,
      To be loved, as to love, with all my soul.

      Make me a channel of Your peace,
      It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
      In giving to all men that we receive,
      And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.

      Hebrews 12:14 – Penalties of Disobedience – Strive for peace with everyone, and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

  19. Yea Right
    December 17, 2014

    I was freedomite but I can never return to Freedom party. They have merged allegiancewith the UWP and for that I can never support them.

    Good luck

    • BRAIN DAMAGE
      December 17, 2014

      Apparently you were born last month …… deal made with your previous party DFP, and your now present party , dlp.
      Ask your president, he has more details.

    • Not a herd follower
      December 17, 2014

      The DFP and the UWP have not merged. stop spreading lies. The issue of electoral reform is a concern to all opposition parties and all Dominicans who desire fairness in the electoral process. The DFP has been demanding electoral reform since 2005.

    • Just Observing
      December 18, 2014

      can you imagine what remains of the Freedom Party has joined forces with UWP? That is unfathomable. Those of us who supported the DFP and were hounded by the UWP after they won elections in 1995 find that to be very interesting, more pitiable. Mr. Astaphans must inform the nation when was the last time the Standing Rules of the DFP was observed. When was the last time the party held a meting of delegates? How often, outside of the election season the so-call executive meet. When was the last convention of members and supporters held? Mr. Astaphans your letters cited here are so out of place. In your role as a Political Leader of the DFP, you do not even know that the Chief Elections officer has no role to play in the process of counting ballots – even the final count. yes, even in instances of controversy as you have cited. The Chief Elections Officer relies on reports from the Returning Officers to make decisions. the reports could be wrong, admittedly, but it is the High court that has the responsibility to verify the instances of illegality as you have cited in Grand Fond. That is the law Mr. Astaphans. Get familiar with it before making a fool of yourself. No wonder you were not accorded the courtesy of a response.

    • nac Vibes
      December 18, 2014

      Good, we don’t want lazy lying, greedy people anywhere near us, you won’t be missed.

  20. soutcityboyi
    December 17, 2014

    When will we Dominicans respect institutions within our country. The Freedom Party is as legit as any other institution. We need different voices so we can make the right decisions. If the authorities are not willing to answer to the questions asked then the courts will have to decide. It is high time we respect one and other. Michael keep on trucking. We can not let these guys run the country as if it was willed to them. Wake up DA people. We all have a contribution to make, no matter how small we are in the eyes of some. And please give credit where it is due. Labourites praise your leader and all other ites do the same, as long as it within the respectful arena. God less DA.

    • The Facts
      December 17, 2014

      Some are correct; others are wrong. When some are dissatisfied, they stir-up trouble. They should know the difference of right from wrong and vice versa. It is noticeable theirs is always one-sided.

  21. December 17, 2014

    This is what winning three terms does to you. Now come back down to earth and quick. The monkey climbs high and is exposed him self. Mr . Skerrit please come to your senses be fair and show integrity. You should be embarrassed to be seen doing what you was doing in Grand fond on polling day.The video is on you tube.

    • Not a herd follower
      December 17, 2014

      Pedro, can you post the you tube link?

    • The Facts
      December 17, 2014

      Oh please Pedro, election is over. Cool it and take a rest.

    • To ZUMA/ZUMBA
      December 18, 2014

      It brings to the us the statement A Nation elects what it deserves. We need to suffer , be ridiculed before we can realize what we truly are as a people until we get the shit we got. Reggie as minister of Government ,SKRIT as P.M it cannot get any funnier but it has been that funny since Pierro passed.

  22. December 17, 2014

    Dictatorship is what this is. When you ask a question or challenge anything, the reply you get is this. You can go to hell it’s none of your dam business. Democracy .or I have offered you the olive branch forget all the law breaking things that has been done and move on .Tell that to the judge.Yo will have to answer to someone

    • The Facts
      December 17, 2014

      When will you cease blowing that old horn and playing that old broken record? Give people some peace.

  23. De Real 1
    December 17, 2014

    Gone are the days when the DFP was an independent force with its own ideology on governance. Now under the guidance of Mr. Astaphan it is nothing more than a boom-boom fly for the UWP.

    • nypossie
      December 17, 2014

      You have right to say that after the DLP climbed their backs yes the DFP backs to get into power ; now you all are in the house is time to insult the very people who helped you all get there in the first place. wonder who is ungrateful.

    • BRAIN DAMAGE
      December 17, 2014

      Tell that to Charlo.

    • me
      December 17, 2014

      yeah. right on the heels of being a boom boom fly of the DLP, s much so that their shirts turn red with the blood of betrayal

    • nac Vibes
      December 18, 2014

      Oh please how stupid can you be, they helped you get to office remember?.

      Isn’t it tiring carrying all this hate in your heart.

      Your party will one day not be in power, what will you do then.

  24. Lawrence Ettienne
    December 17, 2014

    Mr. Michael you are really a non-factor, you thought your efforts would have paid dividends in your last attempt, but it did not, so here you go again. We are quite familiar with the third forces in this COUNTRY, but the country is moving smoothly despite the many oppositions. So my best advise to you at this time is to re-structure the Freedom party and come again!!!

  25. Fedup
    December 17, 2014

    You are writing on behalf of ‘Dominica Freedom What’???? That exist nuh???

    • nypossie
      December 17, 2014

      least you forget DLP hardly existed for 15 years and 4 and half years of the DFP and UWP rule respectively; if it wasn’t for the DFP vote in 2000 the DLP would still be in the yard – so watch yourself with your insults. Remember DFP started with 19 seats went down to 15 then to 11 and finally to 2 seats then to zero. Labour under Skerrit started with 18 now down to 15 next election I expect them to be zero. trust me!

    • The Facts
      December 17, 2014

      :lol: :lol: :lol: :?: :?: :?: :lol: :lol: :lol:

  26. DANZIGER
    December 17, 2014

    Sacratonnere zor pa ni HONTE en Paye la sa. Man get a life and leave DLP alone.

    • BRAIN DAMAGE
      December 17, 2014

      All Astaphans has to do now, is call on all his recruits to join force together with Team Dominica and show who is boss in that country.

    • The Facts
      December 17, 2014

      This is what all non-supporters should do. They need to keep busy in helping Dominica and nationals who are in need of. Satan finds some mischief for idle hands, minds and feet to do.

  27. ExFreedom/Labour ite
    December 17, 2014

    Because Michael Astaphan is a man of peace he is puting truth to power and trying to achieve peace by seeking justice. One day this Dominica will be delivered. How long? Time will tell.

    • The Facts
      December 17, 2014

      A man of peace? Do you know what the true meaning of peace is? :?: :?: :?:

  28. The Facts
    December 17, 2014

    Michael, I can read through you even at a distance. God inspires. You, as well as UWP supporters are extremely angry that DLP won the election. These people make up stories and expect Dominicans to believe them.
    Fellow D/can nationals, utilize your common sense and intelligence. Do not allow the enemies of the government who, in my estimation also appear to be enemies of the State to deceive you. They have ulterior motives why they keep up this charade, harassment and persecution. Let God be your guide; not Michael Astaphan and those other non-DLP supporters.
    Let this be known. If you know the policy, it is nothing new that not all letters are responded to. They do not have to respond to every one especially if they are repetitive. This should apply to every country.
    This year I wrote a certain corporation. I received a reply on more than one occasion. However, the last time I wrote, it was stated that they will not reply to writings which state the same information and request they have already replied to. Actually, I gave them hell so-to-speak about a matter. :)
    I do not blame them for they will be repeating themselves. When writings become repetitive, especially by many people, the identical thing, over and over again, understand that they are boring and the addressees will get fed-up and not reply to specifically the last one. These people have work to do and do not have time to respond to every one of those writings.
    Michael, cease your accusations and leave well alone. It is time for you to take a back step and relax. The Election was called, it took place and DLP won. Bury your sorrow that UWP lost and carry-on with your life. Pray for Dominica, politicians, nationals including yourself, your family, friends and enterprise that God may bless and grace them all. Think God and What Will Jesus Say – about you?
    God bless and grace you and other DLP non-supporters with enlightenment and love of heart that you may generate it to others as DLP. This is what God has taught, wants and expects of you, each and everyone. Cease your fighting spirit. May you comprehend that and see the light of it all.

    • December 17, 2014

      @The Facts December 17, 2014

      You have posted a very good comment here, I could not have said it better–Lol!

      It is a fact that people turn a deaf ear to stupid repetition; unfortunately that seem to be all I am reading here, on DNO, it seem so much as if those people do not know how to pay attention to the thoughts of their mind–or maybe they have no productive thoughts at all.

      Those people know very well that the government do not have the time to pay attention to all those useless complaints–production must continue vehemently–they are mischievously attempting to stop this manner of production for the benefit of the country; and to turn around and say that nothing is happening or has happened.

      Anyway as God fearing people we need to continue to be the voice that God needs to direct every aspect that is His good, acceptable, and perfect will, in our Dominica–we can no longer sit quiet–otherwise it is our disadvantaged, weak, and innocent people who will suffer; but God forbid that this should happen.

      Now that we know that the people has spoken–let us use the wisdom and understanding that God has blessed us with–to keep them mode of forwardness, not backwardness–in anyway we can, even if it means constant prayer.

      • Frenz
        December 17, 2014

        The more you talk LIZAVIER4JESUS the more you discredit yourself and christianity and religion. Full grown phony

      • may
        December 17, 2014

        Remember that the Lord Jesus does get vex with unrighteous and victimization. Hence the reason for punishing Dominica with Labour..

      • BRAIN DAMAGE
        December 17, 2014

        You” LAZY for JESUS”, sitting in Canada enjoying life, come down to live the 5 years down here and then you will know what life is in Dominica.

      • December 17, 2014

        lizard4jesus you hook up with your crazy friend long time isuspected you also to be a lunatic.

      • The Facts
        December 17, 2014

        Thank you Lisa. I have stated so much on this matter that I will not repeat myself. However, some of us are fed-up and disgusted of reading what they tried to do to discredit the PM and DLP from winning the election and just prior to election. God was on their side. I prayed for them to win. I thank God my prayers, yours and others were answered. If they were not, I visualize what would be occurring in Dominica.
        We must stand up for the truth and for what is right for our country. We still have family and friends at home and we want, just as they do, what is good for them for also their happiness and peace. The same goes for other fellow Dominican residents.
        We also want and wish, when we visit Dominica that it will be a happy and peaceful place. This is true love for our country. Money and possessions cannot purchase that.
        With the help of God we will continue to stand up for love, happiness, peace and unity. This is also our obligation to our country and fellow Dominicans, be it from afar. Our bodies are far away but our hearts are not far away from our country. We are present in spirit. There is no place like home.
        Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!
        God bless you!

      • December 18, 2014

        @The Facts December 17, 2014

        “We are present in spirit. There is no place like home. Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year! God bless you!”

        Yes indeed and I wish you the same, in Jesus name!

  29. Rule
    December 17, 2014

    When you’re dealing with a dictatorship, the chances of a transparent investigation is very remote. Be advised that most of these elected officials are in the bag with Skeritt. The mere fact that Skeritt has blatantly violated our electoral laws by being at these constituencies, speaks volume of a sham election.

  30. badjoe
    December 17, 2014

    madness mister has lost it , looking for notice, well you got mine. smh

  31. Thor
    December 17, 2014

    Michael,
    I applaud you for writing these letters, but do it as a private citizen. You will get more attention that way. To do it as the leader of the DFP will get you nowhere. DFP is non-entity.

    No disrespect intended.

  32. Noke
    December 17, 2014

    Ironic.

    The DFP is who got us into this unholy mess called LAYBAAAR by forming a coalition for a reason they now cannot even remember. More irony is that Burton was another Freedomite.

    Now a dead defunct organisation has the government they put into power laughing at them and even former supporters jooking them.

    Life is an ongoing lesson.

    Meanwhile Charles Savarin reclines in his comfortable chair and smiles.

    • The Facts
      December 17, 2014

      It is time for him to bury his hatchet and try to revive his Party so that next election they will be in a position to campaign and hopefully win a few seats. So far, they have failed in this respect and should be ashamed of themselves, not stir up more trouble and divisions in Dominica.
      Michael should be a man of peace and unity; in fact, all nationals should be. He does not depict that.

      • BRAIN DAMAGE
        December 17, 2014

        Facks , de man wrote a letter expressing his concern, he likes trouble
        Best he had call for demonstration Facks , he would be a peaceful guy.

      • Not a herd follower
        December 17, 2014

        So-called Facts, you accuse Michael Astaphan of spreading division for raising concerns about the electoral process, which is his right under the Constitution. When Skerrit said there will be blood if Labourites do not turn out to vote, when he said in Lagon some months ago his supporters will match man for man and fight them (referring to those who do not support him) , you did not see this as causing division. All you Labourities are too wicked!

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