Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has expressed confidence that Dominica’s Electoral Commission will meet its October 15 start date for the national voter confirmation campaign, following the recent amendment extending the original timeline.
“So as far as the government is concerned and as far as the Parliament is concerned, the Electoral Commission would have no reason not to be ready by October 15,” Skerrit told reporters during a press briefing this week.
The launch of Dominica’s national voter confirmation campaign—initially slated to begin in September—has been delayed until October, sparking criticism from opposition figures who allege the process is being manipulated to benefit overseas-based voters. The delay followed Parliament’s August 30 approval of an amendment to the Registration of Electors Act, granting the Commission an extra month to finalize preparations.
Government officials have described the extension as a “technical adjustment” to align the law with the operational readiness of the Electoral Commission.
“As far as the Parliament is concerned, as far as the Cabinet is concerned, we have provided the Electoral Commission with all of the resources, both legislative and financial, to effect the confirmation exercise,” Skerrit said. “Obviously, the effecting of the confirmation is a matter for the Electoral Commission, so we don’t get involved in their day-to-day operations. We only deal with them when they require resources from us or legal advice from the Attorney General.”
The Prime Minister added that he does not believe the Commission can “wiggle itself out” of the October 15 deadline, given that Parliament was specific in granting additional time at its request.
“I believe an announcement will be made very soon,” he said. “But I’m not aware of any reason why they should not be ready on October 15.”
