A year after Dominica’s parliamentary demonstrations, the Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC) has issued a solemn reflection on the state of democratic processes in the Commonwealth nation. On March 19, 2025, unarmed citizens gathered outside Parliament in what was termed the “Standing up for Democracy” protest, expressing vehement opposition to electoral reform legislation that was ultimately enacted despite widespread objections.
The Coalition highlights that Parliament disregarded comprehensive modernization proposals submitted by Sir Dennis Byron, an engaged electoral law expert, along with recommendations from various civil society organizations. These proposals represented years of advocacy aimed at ensuring free and fair elections through meaningful electoral reform.
In a concerning development, twenty-five law-abiding citizens faced arrests under the archaic Riot Act of 1897 following what the ERC describes as directives from Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmore. These individuals endured overnight detention and continue to navigate unresolved legal proceedings twelve months later, prompting the Coalition to emphasize that “justice delayed is justice denied.”
While acknowledging the recent provision allowing voter registration through Dominica-issued birth certificates with authenticated photographs—a measure the ERC views positively—the Coalition expresses profound disappointment regarding the Electoral Commission’s suspension of continuous voter registration. This suspension allegedly violated both the Dominican Constitution and Section 17(1) of the Registration of Electors Act #1 of 2025, effectively disenfranchising eligible citizens, particularly youth, for an entire year.
Although new voter registration resumed on March 9, 2026, the ERC maintains that inadequate public outreach efforts fail to properly encourage either voter confirmation or new registrations. The Coalition asserts that after extensive dialogue and legislative changes, the Electoral Commission should have demonstrated better preparedness rather than engaging in partisan conduct that undermines democratic traditions.
The ERC concludes by urging immediate action from electoral authorities to facilitate transparent voter processes, emphasizing that free and fair elections remain fundamental to Dominica’s democratic integrity.