Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has requested assistance from the Regional Security System (RSS) as his government prepares to debate electoral reform legislation in Parliament on Wednesday. The move comes amid mounting opposition to the proposed bills, with political activists and civic groups planning demonstrations outside Parliament.
Speaking in a live interview on state-owned DBS Radio, Skerrit dismissed concerns from opposition parties and civil society groups, asserting that the government has undertaken extensive consultations and that any further delays in passing the bills would be unnecessary.
Government Stands Firm on Electoral Reform
The Dominica government has tabled three electoral reform bills:
- Electoral Commission Bill 2024
- House of Assembly (Elections) Bill 2024
- Registration of Electors Bill 2024
These bills are based on recommendations from Sir Dennis Byron, the former President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), who was appointed as the sole commissioner to lead the electoral reform process. His report was submitted on June 12, 2023, following consultations with political parties, trade unions, business associations, and international observers from the OAS, CARICOM, and the Commonwealth.
However, opposition parties, the Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC), and various civic groups claim that the process lacks transparency and that key recommendations, such as campaign finance reform, have been ignored.
Skerrit Calls Critics ‘Political Mischief Makers’
Skerrit dismissed concerns raised by the ERC and opposition leaders, describing their push for further scrutiny as an attempt to stir political tension.
This is just political mischief. A group of men are trying to make themselves relevant when the people of Dominica have indicated that they are not relevant anymore.
Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica
He further warned protesters against disrupting the Parliamentary session, saying that anyone attempting to storm Parliament or interfere with democratic processes would face consequences.
You can come and demonstrate if you want, but do so peacefully. Anybody who believes they will breach the Parliament wall and interfere with the democratic processes of the country—you are looking for trouble for yourself.
Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica
Electoral Reform Coalition Demands Transparency
The Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC) has expressed strong opposition to the government’s handling of the electoral reform process, arguing that there has been insufficient public consultation and lack of transparency regarding the final recommendations submitted by the Electoral Commission.
The ERC has called for:
- Immediate publication of the Commission’s recommendations
- Further public engagement before passing the bills
- Inclusion of campaign finance legislation in the reform process
The coalition has also announced a “virtual rally” on Saturday to discuss what it describes as a “volatile situation” and is urging citizens to gather outside Parliament on Monday to demand genuine electoral reform.
RSS Alerted Amid Protest Plans
Given the anticipated demonstrations, Skerrit has instructed Minister of National Security Rayburn Blackmoore to place the Regional Security System (RSS) on alert.
The RSS, a multinational security alliance, was established in 1982 to provide assistance in national security threats, emergencies, and law enforcement operations across member states in the Eastern Caribbean. While it has been deployed in disaster relief and anti-smuggling operations, its involvement in domestic political matters remains controversial.
Campaign Finance Debate Sparks Further Division
One of the main sticking points in the ongoing debate is the lack of campaign finance regulations in the proposed electoral reform bills. Critics argue that unregulated campaign donations allow for foreign influence and financial manipulation in Dominican elections.
Skerrit, however, pushed back against these criticisms, stating that campaign finance laws were not originally part of the reform discussions and that implementing such legislation requires more time and planning.
We have said that we are not opposed to campaign finance legislation, but at this time, it makes no sense to hold back these three pieces of legislation because of one issue.
Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica
Next Steps: Parliament Session and Public Response
The electoral reform bills are set to be debated and passed in Parliament on Wednesday, with the government holding a majority of 19 out of 21 seats.
Meanwhile, the opposition and civic groups continue to mobilize, with growing concerns over whether protests will remain peaceful or escalate into confrontation with security forces.
As Dominica moves toward one of its most consequential electoral reform decisions, the nation remains divided between government assurances of a fair legislative process and opposition demands for greater public involvement.
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