The Electoral Office of Dominica has announced its participation in a regional election observation mission to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, reflecting the Caribbean’s unified commitment to upholding democratic integrity. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has formed a ten-member CARICOM Election Observation Mission (CEOM) to oversee the General Elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, set for November 27, 2025. Dominica’s Chief Elections Officer, Ms. Anthea Joseph, will be among the observers, collaborating with regional counterparts to evaluate the electoral process. This initiative coincides with Dominica’s ongoing voter confirmation process, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and the exchange of best practices in strengthening electoral systems. Ms. Joseph emphasized the mission’s role in promoting transparent and accountable elections, stating, ‘By learning from our Caribbean neighbors, we can enhance our own electoral processes.’ The CEOM will engage with electoral authorities, political parties, and civil society groups in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, providing impartial assessments to ensure fairness and transparency. The Electoral Office described the mission as a demonstration of solidarity and shared responsibility for safeguarding democracy in the Caribbean. However, the initiative has faced criticism domestically. Pastor Randy Rodney questioned the timing and purpose of Ms. Joseph’s participation, arguing that her role is more about learning than observation, given her recent appointment. Rodney criticized the government’s decision to appoint an inexperienced leader to the electoral office during a period of reform, suggesting that the former Chief Elections Officer’s expertise would have been more valuable. He also raised concerns about Dominica’s voter confirmation process, arguing that it fails to produce a clean voters list. Rodney highlighted issues such as outdated registrations and deceased individuals still on the electoral list, urging Dominicans to focus on these problems rather than what he termed ‘gerrymandering.’ As Ms. Joseph joins the mission in Kingstown, the initiative underscores both the potential and challenges of electoral reform in the Caribbean, sparking debates about leadership, timing, and the integrity of Dominica’s electoral process.
Dominica joins regional election observation mission, move criticized at home
