Following the final vote count in the September 7, 2026 Roseau North by-election in Dominica, the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) has framed its defeat as a single setback in a broader campaign for political change, reaffirming its commitment to long-term electoral and national reform.
The by-election, called to fill the vacant legislative seat for Roseau North, delivered a clear victory to the incumbent Dominica Labour Party (DLP). Official results show DLP candidate Ashma McDougall secured 1,473 votes, while UWP nominee Daniel Lugay finished second with 998 votes. Independent candidate Sherman Boston rounded out the field with 49 votes, far behind the two leading contenders.
In the immediate aftermath of the result announcement, UWP political leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine struck a resolute tone, emphasizing that the party’s broader mission remained unchanged. “We may have lost this battle, but certainly not the fight,” Dr. Fontaine reiterated, echoing a message of persistence that anchors the party’s outlook going forward.
Dr. Fontaine opened his statement by extending gratitude to every Roseau North constituent who backed the UWP and its candidate in the by-election. He specifically thanked residents who opened their homes to campaign teams and engaged with the party’s policy messaging over the course of the election cycle, noting that the party deeply values the sustained trust its supporters have placed in it as it works to deliver what he described as “meaningful change” to Dominica.
Beyond constituents, Dr. Fontaine also recognized the contributions of hundreds of UWP volunteers and party members who dedicated time and resources to the campaign. He highlighted their work canvassing across the constituency, providing much-needed financial and moral support, and working long shifts at polling stations despite challenging, less-than-ideal working conditions on election day.
While acknowledging the UWP’s failure to secure the seat this cycle, Dr. Fontaine also drew attention to significant procedural issues that disrupted voting for many residents. He said the party formally acknowledges and regrets that a large number of eligible voters were turned away from polling locations, and that many more faced widespread confusion over where they were authorized to cast their ballots.
These irregularities, he stressed, reinforce the UWP’s longstanding demand for comprehensive electoral reform across Dominica, aimed at guaranteeing future “free and fair” elections that allow every citizen to exercise their voting rights without unnecessary barriers.
Looking ahead to the upcoming general election, Dr. Fontaine issued a public call to action for all eligible Dominican voters to confirm their voter registration status ahead of the October 15 deadline. “Now is a good time as ever to ensure that everyone gets confirmed before the October 15 deadline and prepare for the next general election,” he encouraged.
He reaffirmed that the party will continue expanding its organizational strength and building support among voters across every region of Dominica, even in the wake of this by-election defeat. Dr. Fontaine concluded by noting that while significant work remains to deliver on the party’s vision, the UWP is fully prepared to take on that work. “We are equal to the task of restoring hope to our people and ensuring that together we build a future that we deserve,” he said.