Skerrit addresses Dominica’s electoral reform
Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, delivered a compelling address advocating for the government’s recent electoral reform proposals scheduled for second and third readings in Parliament.
Skerrit addressed a public forum hosted by the Dominica Business Forum (DBF) regarding amendments to the laws before the second and third readings, which other dignitaries also attended. The ceremony occurred in Roseau’s Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) facility.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the forum for the invitation to the event aimed at fostering a congenial atmosphere for discussions centred on a mutual dedication to equity, transparency, and trust in democratic institutions while contesting the implication in the invitation letter that the consultative process regarding the issue was inadequate.
The prime minister asserted that the realities were distinct, stating that the administration has established a comprehensive reform framework guided by broad and unprecedented consultations with domestic stakeholders and foreign partners, including the Commonwealth, CARICOM, and OECS.
The Prime Minister stated that political parties, labour unions, business groups, youth organizations, other communities, and people of the diaspora were consulted domestically. He stated that reports and drafts of the legislation were made available to all citizens of the country at every level of the process.
Skerrit added that electoral reform transcends political concerns and constitutes a national necessity that affects all citizens and every segment of Dominican society, including the business community.
Meanwhile, Attorney General Levi Peter addressed the audience following the prime minister. He stated that he did not remember anyone expressing objections regarding any aspect of the law and was primarily focused on absent elements.
Peter indicated that one of the concerns pertained to residency. He stated that individuals were attempting to alter the criteria for voter qualification without a statutory basis.
Prior to the conversation, DBF President Daryll Bobb emphasized the significance of constructive engagement and encouraged residents from diverse backgrounds to participate in the dialogue. Emphasizing the forum’s dedication to fostering respectful and open discourse, he stated that the forum is prepared to cultivate an environment conducive to discussion.
He invited individuals from across the political spectrum to engage in a cordial environment, urging attendees to approach the discussion with an open mind to contribute and listen.
Prime Minister Skerrit has been observed discussing his government’s initiatives to enact election reforms to enhance the electoral commission across numerous venues. In his inaugural radio interview of 2025 in January, he reaffirmed that his administration has adopted a judicious stance on the issue and endeavoured to be as conciliatory as feasible.
On December 2024, the day before the government presented three electoral reform legislation for their initial reading in Parliament, the Electoral Reform Coalition condemned the action, claiming insufficient transparency and minimal public notification. The coalition stated that the electoral commission’s recommendations were not disclosed, resulting in public confusion on resolving their concerns about free and fair elections.
Skerrit refuted the criticisms, asserting that the initial reading of the Electoral Commission Bill 2024, House of Assembly (Elections) Bill 2024, and Registration of Electors Bill 2024 would encounter no obstacles. He also stated that no demonstrations would impede the procedure.
In a recent radio talk program, the prime minister underlined his confidence that the government will present legislation to Parliament in the first quarter of 2025, regardless of circumstances.
Caribbean Jurist Sir Dennis Byron presented his findings on election reforms on June 12, 2023.