President of the United Workers Party (UWP), Lennox Linton, has reiterated his call for urgent electoral reform in Dominica amid growing rumors of a snap election in December. Linton stressed that free and fair elections are essential, pointing out that the absence of reform undermines the democratic process. He firmly believes that any election without proper reform would be “a blatant disregard for democratic principles.”
Linton reminded Dominicans that Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has previously committed to electoral reform but has consistently delayed action. He emphasized that reform is essential to ensure transparency and fairness, noting that Dominicans have been waiting over 16 years for meaningful changes to the electoral process. “Skerrit has prevented the Electoral Commission from putting in place reforms for free and fair elections since 2008,” Linton stated, highlighting the need for change before any further elections are held.
Rumors of a snap election in December 2024 have intensified in recent weeks, with many speculating that Skerrit might make the announcement during key national events, including the groundbreaking ceremony for the international airport on November 9 or the Dominica Labour Party’s Delegates’ Conference on November 10.
Linton condemned the idea of calling another snap election so soon after the December 2022 election, which was held two years before the government’s full term ended.
In response to these speculations, Linton argued that calling yet another snap election without addressing electoral reform would be an “affront to democracy” and an “abuse of power.”
He criticized what he described as a “dangerous pattern” of using elections to solidify control rather than genuinely representing the people’s will. “Dominica is not Roosevelt Skerrit’s personal property,” he remarked, accusing the government of manipulating elections for political gain.
Linton’s concerns extend beyond the election itself. He pointed out that a failure to implement reform threatens to erode Dominica’s social and economic stability. “Skerrit’s repeated disregard for democratic norms pushes the country further into decline,” he warned, calling for leadership that values integrity and transparency. Should a snap election be called without reform, Linton has vowed to organize the largest national assembly in Dominica’s history to oppose it. “The people of Dominica deserve a leader who prioritizes their welfare over personal gain. It’s time for the Prime Minister to step aside and let leadership with integrity emerge,” he concluded.
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