The Dominica Electoral Commission has unveiled plans to initiate a comprehensive voter confirmation process starting October 15, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s electoral reform efforts. The announcement, made by Commission Chairman Duncan Stowe during a press conference on October 7, 2025, underscores the initiative’s role in restoring public trust in electoral institutions. Stowe described the process as a cornerstone of Dominica’s broader democratic modernization agenda, aimed at enhancing transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency in the electoral system. Since the enactment of the Electoral Reform legislation earlier this year, the Commission has focused on operationalizing these reforms through extensive staff training, system upgrades, and logistical preparations. Chief Elections Officer Anthia Joseph outlined the confirmation process, which will transition eligible voters from the existing register to a new one under the Electors Act of 2025. Only individuals listed on the May 2025 voters register are eligible to participate. The process will be conducted exclusively within Dominica, with designated centers established in each constituency. Overseas confirmation is not permitted. Enrollment officers, appointed and supervised by the Chief Registering Officer, will oversee the process. Applicants must present themselves at their registered constituency’s confirmation center, accompanied by a witness from the same polling district. Required documents include a valid Dominican passport, driver’s license, or social security card for Dominican citizens, while Commonwealth citizens must provide a valid passport and a secondary government-issued document. The confirmation process involves multiple steps, including document verification, data entry, and issuance of a receipt. Discrepancies, such as mismatched names, will be addressed through a hotline staffed by senior personnel. The Chief Registering Officer holds final authority over confirmation decisions, with grounds for refusal including inadequate documentation or absence from the May 2025 register. The announcement follows months of public scrutiny over delays in the confirmation timeline, initially set for September 1 but postponed due to legislative amendments. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit emphasized the urgency of implementing these reforms, and despite earlier criticism, the Commission expressed confidence in its readiness to meet the October 15 deadline.
Dominica Electoral Commission confirms October 15 start for voter confirmation process
