Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has firmly defended the ruling Dominica Labour Get together’s (DLP) choice to introduce electoral reform, insisting the social gathering is not going to enable opposition forces to “weaken” the nation. His remarks got here forward of the DLP’s seventieth anniversary celebrations on June 1.
In a press release addressing latest political tensions, Skerrit accused opposition teams of feigning concern for democracy to undermine the federal government’s efforts.
“We began electoral reform. We introduced in worldwide consultants. We put cash behind the method. We made it occur. So don’t let anybody twist the reality. We aren’t afraid of reform. We’re prepared for it. We invited it. However we is not going to enable confusion and lies to weaken this nation,” Skerrit mentioned.
The federal government’s electoral reform laws was accredited by Parliament in March amid protests from opposition supporters who criticized the method for missing transparency. Police clashed with demonstrators, utilizing tear gasoline and rubber bullets to disperse crowds.
The reforms embrace three key payments: the Electoral Fee Invoice 2024, Home of Meeting (Elections) Invoice 2024, and Registration of Electors Invoice 2024. These payments had been launched late final 12 months following suggestions from former Caribbean Court docket of Justice President Sir Dennis Byron’s June 2023 report.
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Throughout parliamentary debate, opposition legislator Anthony Charles broke ranks to assist the laws, emphasizing the long-standing want for electoral reform in Dominica.
“I stand for the payments to be handed,” Charles mentioned to applause. “This isn’t about political events exhibiting how sturdy they’re… That is about democracy.”
Among the many reforms, the Registration of Electors Act mandates a 12-month voter affirmation interval requiring legitimate identification. Abroad Dominicans should reconfirm their registration in individual on the island. New Voter Identification Playing cards will embrace pictures and superior safety features.
The laws additionally strengthens the Electoral Fee’s independence by establishing an Electoral Fee Fund and empowering it to supervise free and honest elections. It introduces know-how for voter registration and document administration, plans for digital voting, equal media entry, and enhanced accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Skerrit known as on Dominicans to unite across the reforms, urging supporters to not enable the opposition to weaponize the method for confusion.
“There comes a time in each nation’s story when the folks should rise, not in anger however in goal. Not in concern, however in unity. Dominica, that point is now,” he mentioned.
“We’re a nation rooted in service, examined by time, and confirmed by our capability to rise, repeatedly. When others falter, we endure. When others divide, we unite. That’s the Dominica we all know.”
Skerrit ended with a name to arms for the DLP forward of the anniversary, underscoring the social gathering’s resolve.
“Labour is not going to be bullied. Labour is not going to be silenced. Labour is not going to retreat. June 1 is greater than only a date on a calendar. It’s a declaration—a sign to Dominica, to the area, to the world, that this social gathering is not only alive, it’s mobilized,” he mentioned.
“June 1 is about delight, safety, and proving that this nation belongs to the folks—and the folks stand with Labour.”
