BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – CONGRATULATORY messages from around the region continue to pour into Dominica, as the Roosevelt Skerrit-led Dominica Labour Party recorded a comprehensive victory at the country’s General Elections.
The victory, which was recorded on Friday night (Dec 6), came amidst protest action from opposition supporters who were calling for electoral reform.
Shortly before going to the polls, the nation had experienced a spate of violence, road blockage, protest and an entire village being tear-gassed.
The Opposition, United Workers Party (UWP), had moved to the courts to have the elections delayed but that matter was thrown out and polls were confirmed for December 6.
After the dust had settled in Roseau, the DLP had reportedly won 18 seats to the UWP’s three – giving the victorious party an additional two seats since the last general elections.
In its assessment of the elections, CARICOM’s Mission to Dominica said the Pre-Election Day activities had caused some amount of concern to the election process.?
“The level of disruption and violence as acknowledged by the general populace, escalated just days prior to the general elections. Roads were blocked which limited access to the movement of persons.?However, by Election Day, the blockage to areas was discontinued?and persons were able to move freely to conduct business and to access the polling stations to cast their vote.”
It was noted that adequate security was in place at all locations visited, with officials conducting their duties in a professional and efficient manner.
“This contributed to the level of calm which accompanied the day’s activities.?The poll workers were focused as they steadily carried out the required procedures, thereby?ensuring that all eligible electors who turned out to vote were able to do so.???
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“The initial assessment of Election Day activities by the CEOM is that the voters were able to cast their ballots without intimidation or fear and that the results of the 6 December 2019 General Elections reflect the will of the people of the Commonwealth of Dominica.,” the CARICOM statement added.
Since the preliminary results were announced, a number of regional bodies and parties had expressed congratulations.
In a statement on Saturday (Dec. 7), Director-General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules commended the people of the Commonwealth of Dominica for exercising their democratic right to chart their own destiny.
He congratulated Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and the DLP on a successful election victory and return to Government.
“The people of the Commonwealth of Dominica have spoken and, for the fifth consecutive term, they have chosen the leadership of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and the Dominica Labour Party.”
He added: “We respect the will of the people of Dominica and offer our congratulations to Prime Minister Skerrit and the Government for another term in office,.”
The Director-General pledged that the OECS Commission would continue working with the Government and people of the Commonwealth of Dominica to fulfill development objectives and building resilience in the face of extreme weather events.
The St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party also congratulated Skerrit on achieving the party’s fifth consecutive victory at the polls.
In a speech on Friday (Dec. 6), PM Skerritt described the elections as being free and fair.
“The national General Elections were conducted under the laws that have governed elections in this country in the 41 years since we gained independence.”
The UWP however has not given an official statement on the elections.
