Ahead of the September 7 by-election for Dominica’s Roseau North Constituency, the country’s longstanding opposition group the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) has made a landmark strategic decision to throw its support behind United Workers Party (UWP) candidate Daniel “Danny” Lugay, framing the move as a commitment to advancing the island nation’s core democratic values over partisan priorities.
In an official endorsement statement released September 4, 2026, the DFP emphasized that its backing of Lugay is a principled stand rooted in the party’s foundational commitments to democracy, transparent good governance, the rule of law, and governmental accountability. The organization was careful to clarify that this cross-party endorsement does not signal a retreat from its own independent political identity or core ideological convictions. Instead, party leaders argued that extraordinary political moments require putting national interest above narrow partisan gain, and the Roseau North by-election qualifies as exactly that kind of turning point for the country.
“This is not simply about Danny Lugay,” the DFP statement noted, tying the election contest to broader national conversations over democratic accountability and institutional integrity. Echoing the party’s long-held slogan, “PEOPLE BEFORE POWER, PEOPLE BEFORE POLITICS, PEOPLE BEFORE PRIVILEGE AND THINGS,” the DFP reaffirmed its mission to center citizen welfare in all national decision-making. The party also outlined its long-term goal: to collaborate with all pro-democracy and opposition groups across Dominica to rebuild public trust in state institutions, strengthen democratic governance frameworks, and place the needs of ordinary Dominican citizens at the heart of national policy.
The DFP’s endorsement follows a August 24, 2026 virtual solidarity rally organized by the Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC), where the party joined other opposition forces in rallying support for Lugay. The DFP is not the only opposition group to back the UWP candidate: the fellow opposition United Progressive Party has also publicly endorsed Lugay ahead of polling day.
Three candidates are contesting the open Roseau North seat: Lugay for the UWP, Ashma McDougal representing the ruling Dominica Labour Party, and Sherman Boston running as an independent candidate.
In its closing appeal to Roseau North voters, the DFP urged all registered constituents to turn out in large numbers on September 7 to exercise their democratic right, framing the vote as a critical opportunity for residents to signal their desired direction for national leadership. “The final decision rests with the electorate,” the statement acknowledged, urging voters to cast their ballots with the future of Dominican democracy and country in mind. The party closed with a clear, unifying message: “A VOTE FOR DANNY LUGAY IS A VOTE FOR DEMOCRACY.”