ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC) — The two main political parties have named candidates to contest the by—election here on June 7.

The ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) has named accountant Denise Charles, while the main opposition United Workers Party (IWP) is banking on Higgs Adams to win the Soufriere constituency seat that became vacant after works and ports minister Ian Pinard resigned last month.

Pinard resigned the seat and his cabinet post in the wake of allegations made against him of “serious inappropriate behaviour”.

Last month, Pinard said that the allegations were made “against me in the media and elsewhere in relation to matters which the public rightly is and has been most concerned about”.

“I believe I have a moral and fiduciary responsibility to you to address you on this matter,” Pinard said in his brief statement.

There have been widespread allegations here of inappropriate behaviour involving some high—ranking members of society and a minor, and the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) issued a statement condemning sexual assault and abuse of children here.

Police later confirmed that they had carried out investigations into the matter in an effort “to quell public anxiety” and “protect the interest of innocent citizens”.

Nomination Day is May 20.

The DLP said the 36—year—old was elected at a special meeting of the Soufriere DLP Constituency Association on Monday, while Adams, who lost to Pinard by more than 800 votes in the 2014 general election, is seeking a second occasion to represent the area.

The DLP said the Charles campaign will be launched on Saturday and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, who is also the DLP leader, has already said he wants the party to win back the seat.

Meanwhile, UWP leader Lennox Linton, speaking on radio here on Tuesday, said that he is confident that the party will win this time round.

In the 2014 general election, the DLP won by a 15—six seat majority.