The debate surrounding electoral reform in Dominica has intensified as Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting the voting rights of Dominicans residing abroad. Speaking at a recent discussion organized by the Dominica Business Forum (DBF), Skerrit emphasized that the reform process would ensure overseas citizens retain their ability to participate in elections, provided they undergo a confirmation process to remain on the voters’ list.
Central to the discussion were three critical bills— the Electoral Commission Bill 2024, House of Assembly Elections Bill 2024, and Registration of Electors Bill 2024— slated for presentation in Parliament later this year. The prime minister argued that voting is a fundamental right of citizenship and underscored his administration’s resolve to avoid disenfranchising any Dominican, regardless of their location.
Responding to criticisms regarding the removal of the five-year residency rule as a basis for removing names from the voters’ list, Skerrit highlighted the vital contributions of the diaspora to Dominica’s economy, including remittances and investments. He asserted that their inclusion in the electoral process is essential for shaping the country’s future.
Meanwhile, Darrell Bob, President of the DBF, presented a detailed list of over 25 recommendations aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process. These included annual cleansing of the voters’ list, limiting voting rights to residents, defining “ordinary resident” as habitual presence in Dominica, and ensuring rigorous confirmation processes for overseas voters using government-issued IDs or passports.
While expressing gratitude for the DBF’s input, Skerrit maintained that the government would not enact legislation that could strip overseas Dominicans of their voting rights, labeling such measures as unjust. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to enhancing democracy and fostering inclusivity through the proposed reforms.
The conversation around these reforms highlights the delicate balance between upholding citizens’ rights and ensuring a robust electoral framework that reflects the will of the people. As the bills move closer to parliamentary debate, the issue of diaspora voting rights remains a pivotal point of contention.
This article is copyright © 2025 DOM767
