The Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC) has criticized the government’s approach to introducing electoral reform bills, alleging a lack of transparency and insufficient public notice. According to the ERC, the recommendations from the Electoral Commission have not been made public, leaving citizens unable to assess whether their concerns about free and fair elections were addressed.
The ERC has planned a virtual rally for Saturday to discuss the issue and has urged citizens to demonstrate outside Parliament on Monday when the bills will be presented for their first reading. The coalition insists that transparency and proper scrutiny are essential for meaningful electoral reform.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, however, dismissed these criticisms, confirming that the Electoral Commission Bill 2024, House of Assembly (Elections) Bill 2024, and Registration of Electors Bill 2024 will be presented to Parliament for their first reading. He emphasized that no protests would hinder the process.
“I can say to the country that no protest can prevent the Parliament from debating the bills,” Skerrit declared during an end-of-year press conference.
He also pointed to the extensive consultations conducted over the past year, involving public service members, political parties, unions, business associations, youth groups, and international observers from CARICOM, the OAS, and the Commonwealth. The public was given access to draft legislation online, with feedback welcomed.
“The proposed legislation has undergone extensive consultations and reviews with all relevant groups in our society,” Skerrit said. “It’s time to pass the legislation to ensure our elections remain free and fair.”
The government argues that the first reading of the bills will provide another opportunity for stakeholders to review and discuss their content. Skerrit emphasized that the reform process must move forward, despite differing opinions, to strengthen Dominica’s democratic framework.
The debate over these bills has reignited discussions about transparency and public participation in Dominica’s legislative processes.
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