The Dominica Bar Association has released a comprehensive statement emphasizing the fundamental importance of voter registration verification and its proper administration by authorities to protect the democratic rights of all citizens. The legal body has received numerous expressions of concern regarding electoral processes through both written and verbal communications.
In an unprecedented appeal transcending political affiliations, the Association urgently calls upon every registered voter to verify their registration status to ensure participation in forthcoming electoral events, whether local or national. This represents an inclusive initiative directed at all Dominican citizens regardless of political orientation or background.
The constitutional significance of voting rights receives particular emphasis, with reference to paragraph (c) of Dominica’s Constitution Preamble which asserts the people’s belief in a democratic society where all persons may participate in national institutions according to their capacity, thereby fostering respect for lawfully constituted authority.
While acknowledging ongoing legal challenges to recently amended electoral legislation and concerns about the current framework, the Association stresses the necessity for eligible voters to comply with existing regulations until any formal modifications occur. This approach is presented as the most effective method to safeguard both individual voting rights and the nation’s democratic principles.
Addressing specific concerns about identification requirements for registration confirmation, the Bar Association proposes that the Electoral Commission conduct a thorough, data-informed analysis to evaluate how ID mandates affect voter participation rates. Such statistical examination would determine whether adjustments to identification requirements are necessary to balance electoral list integrity against potential voter disenfranchisement.
Given current legal stipulations requiring identification, the Association questions what measures the government is implementing to assist citizens lacking proper documentation or financial means to obtain it. The legal body recommends implementing non-partisan initiatives, such as temporarily suspending new passport application fees to facilitate passport acquisition as valid identification.
To enhance the confirmation process, the Association advocates for intensified public awareness campaigns by the Electoral Office and political parties, suggesting election-level promotion efforts. Additionally, the proposal includes employers—both public and private sectors—facilitating the process through designated ‘confirmation days’ where employees receive paid time off to verify registrations, provided they submit proof of completion.
Regarding new voter registrations, the Association notes that the Electoral Office’s temporary suspension caused significant uncertainty and disappointment across political and private sectors. With the announcement that registration will resume by March 10, 2026, the legal body anticipates this will rectify what may have constituted a breach of statutory continuous registration duties, encouraging all unregistered eligible citizens to enroll promptly.
The statement concludes with a strong recommendation against calling elections before completing the confirmation period, warning that premature electoral proceedings could disenfranchise voters and compromise result legitimacy at national and international levels. The Association clarifies it possesses no knowledge of imminent election plans but addresses a legally permissible scenario that could undermine electoral integrity.
Finally, the Dominica Bar Association commits to collaborating with all stakeholders—voters, state institutions, the Electoral Commission, and private sector entities—to protect the democratic rights of every citizen through enhanced confirmation processes and inclusive electoral measures.