In the verdant landscapes of Dominica, often hailed as the ‘Nature Isle of the Caribbean,’ the essence of democracy is under severe threat. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and his Dominica Labour Party (DLP) have maintained a tight grip on power for over two decades, raising concerns about the island’s democratic integrity. The introduction of electoral reforms in 2025, ostensibly aimed at enhancing transparency and fairness, has instead been criticized as a calculated move to entrench the ruling party’s dominance. The sidelining of the Electoral Commission, a constitutionally mandated body designed to ensure free and fair elections, has further fueled accusations of authoritarianism. The reform process, which included the tabling of three key bills in December 2024, was marked by chaos and suppression of dissent. Protesters outside the House of Assembly were met with tear gas and rubber bullets, while inside, debate was stifled by the DLP’s overwhelming majority. The InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has expressed grave concerns over the lack of public scrutiny and the erosion of voter registration safeguards. The deliberate marginalization of the Electoral Commission and the exploitation of vulnerable citizens for voter harvesting have drawn widespread condemnation. Skerrit’s government, bolstered by passport-sale revenues and international alliances, has been accused of turning state machinery into a partisan tool. The 2022 snap elections, boycotted by the opposition and marked by low turnout, set the stage for this escalation. Skerrit’s relentless pursuit of unfair advantage, coupled with his unfulfilled promises of clean governance, has led to growing calls for accountability. Dominica now stands at a crossroads, with its citizens and international allies urged to take a stand against this erosion of democratic principles. The choice is stark: reclaim democratic birthright or succumb to the twilight of one-man rule.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: The mockery of democracy – unmasking the corrupt electoral reform process in Dominica
