The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has raised serious concerns about Dominica’s ongoing electoral reform process, urging the government to uphold the democratic principles enshrined in the American Convention on Human Rights and the Inter-American Democratic Charter.
The Commission, which has been monitoring Dominica’s reform efforts since 2018, acknowledged the government’s recent legislative push to modernize electoral procedures. However, it warned that key elements to ensure transparency and safeguard political rights—particularly regarding campaign financing and the independence of electoral institutions—remain absent.
In May 2024, Dominica’s government introduced three major legislative proposals: the Registration of Electors Bill, the House of Assembly Elections Bill, and the Electoral Commission Bill. These bills were designed to tackle a variety of electoral issues, including voter identification, residency requirements, bribery and treating, and annual voter list reviews. They also contained provisions for equal access to state media.
Despite claims by the government that the legislation followed broad consultations with opposition parties, civil society, the Bar Association, religious leaders, and the media, the IACHR noted significant omissions. The Commission highlighted that the laws fail to adequately address campaign finance regulations and independent oversight of the Electoral Commission, both longstanding concerns raised by civil society and international observers.
Tensions came to a head on March 19, 2025, when the House of Assembly passed the bills. The move sparked widespread protests in the capital, leading to a forceful response by state security forces. According to the IACHR, law enforcement used tear gas, rubber bullets, and physical force against demonstrators, some of whom had gathered without official “permission” outside Parliament. Since then, at least 24 individuals have reportedly been arrested—including opposition leaders, lawyers, and human rights defenders. One person remains in custody at Dominica State Prison.
The IACHR emphasized that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democratic societies, and any restrictions placed on such gatherings must be legal, necessary, and proportionate. “States have an obligation to safeguard the rights of individuals engaging in protests, to protect their physical integrity, and ensure unhindered access to the press,” the Commission stated.
The Commission further urged the Dominican government to end the criminalization of protest and engage in genuine dialogue with stakeholders to address unresolved concerns. It called for greater transparency and accountability, especially concerning the controversial financing of voter transportation from abroad—an issue flagged in previous electoral observation missions.
Reaffirming that citizen participation is fundamental to any democracy, the IACHR reminded the government that electoral reform must go beyond the passage of laws to embody the spirit of universal suffrage, equality, and accessibility.
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