In an unprecedented political arrangement, Dominica’s House of Assembly has witnessed the reappointment of Jesma Paul-Victor as Leader of the Opposition through a carefully negotiated power-sharing agreement between the nation’s only two elected opposition members. The Salisbury constituency representative assumed her position on January 16, 2026, following formal communication from Marigot MP Anthony Charles to the President of Dominica endorsing her appointment.
The unique political landscape emerged from the December 2022 snap general election, which resulted in only two non-government members securing parliamentary seats. Both Paul-Victor and Charles entered the legislature as independent candidates, creating a constitutional impasse regarding opposition leadership since neither could command majority support among non-government MPs. This dilemma prompted their innovative solution: an 18-month rotational leadership agreement.
Paul-Victor emphasized that their decision transcended political allegiances or personal interests, stating, ‘After careful consideration of the present circumstances facing our country, we exercised our constitutional responsibility to support the appointment of the leader of the opposition.’ She highlighted that Dominica’s significant economic and social challenges necessitate fully functional democratic institutions, warning that ‘the absence of a formally appointed legal public opposition would weaken critical national processes.’
The opposition leader articulated multiple constitutional benefits stemming from their arrangement: ensuring parliamentary operations comply with constitutional requirements, enabling statutory bodies that require consultation with the opposition leader to function properly, and facilitating effective operation of parliamentary committees that enhance legislative scrutiny and accountability.
The leadership transition hit a procedural snag in June 2024 when Paul-Victor’s initial term concluded. Despite her resignation submission, constitutional provisions under section 66 of the Commonwealth of Dominica Constitution required both opposition MPs to submit a joint letter indicating their leadership choice, preventing Charles from assuming the role as originally planned.
Charles, who recently joined the newly formed United Progressive Party (UPP), had previously expressed readiness to assume the leadership role while emphasizing adherence to their rotational agreement. The political dynamics continue to evolve as both members maintain their independent status while navigating Dominica’s constitutional requirements.