The Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC) comprising of various opposition political parties in Dominica continues to speak out against the ruling DLP over electoral reform concerns. The UWP, DFP, and NJAM among others said the DLP is trying to perpetuate itself in government by foisting a defective Sir Dennis Byron report on the people.
One of the most vocal agitators, Dr. Irving Andre, said there are flaws in Sir Byron’s electoral reform policy that must be addressed before it comes before legislators. Political leader of the DFP, Bernard Hurtault, said the loopholes identified by Andre must be sealed or the DLP would exploit them to hold the entire nation ransom.
DFP president, Johnson Boston, said no electoral reform document should be final and that it should be subject to modifications as societal needs arise. He pointed to the past when women and youths were not allowed to vote, and that updated reforms opened the door for women to vote and reduced the voting age of youths from 21 to 18.
Boston argued that continuous reform is necessary to enhance fairness and transparency in democratic experiments. He pointed out that there is no way the interests of the people can be fully represented if they cannot voice their concerns or make their elected leaders accountable. According to him, the government becomes corrupt and dictatorial where the electorates are muzzled.
On the other hand, former general secretary of the Civil Service Association (CSA) and an executive member of the DFP, Alvin Thomas, said the entire nation should come together to determine their political and economic destinies. He noted that electoral reforms should be non-partisan and apolitical to maximize its benefits and sustainability. Thomas blamed PM Roosevelt Skerrit for playing partisan politics and manipulating the electoral reform process in Dominica. He said the people are bigger than the person of the prime minister and that the country’s electoral system should be grounded on equal representation, general inclusiveness, and extended public consultation for it to work for everyone.
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