Joshua Francis, leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), has urged Dominicans to actively participate in the ongoing voter confirmation process, despite perceived challenges. Speaking at a recent press conference, Francis emphasized the importance of civic duty in ensuring a robust democratic system. The voter confirmation process, initiated on October 15, 2025, is a cornerstone of Dominica’s electoral reform agenda, aimed at modernizing the voting system and enhancing democratic participation. Francis highlighted the difficulties faced by many citizens who lack essential identification documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, or social security cards. He called on the Electoral Commission to prioritize the interests of all Dominicans, ensuring inclusivity in the process. Francis also shared his personal experience, describing the confirmation process as straightforward and encouraging others to follow suit. He advised those encountering issues to seek assistance from legal professionals or the Chief Elections Officer. Meanwhile, Dr. Thomson Fontaine, leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), criticized the Electoral Commission’s decision to exclude birth certificates as a valid form of identification for voter confirmation. Fontaine argued that this exclusion would disenfranchise thousands of Dominicans, particularly those without the means to obtain alternative IDs. He condemned the move as a violation of fundamental human rights, stressing that it undermines the democratic principle of universal suffrage. The voter confirmation process involves multiple steps, including name verification, document validation, and electronic data entry, culminating in the issuance of a confirmation receipt. The debate over the process underscores the broader challenges of balancing electoral integrity with accessibility in Dominica’s evolving democratic landscape.
UPP leader Joshua Francis urges voter confirmation amidst criticism of stipulations
