ROSEAU, Dominica, (CMC) – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says the ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) will not allow opposition forces to “weaken” the country as he defended the decision to introduce electoral reform here.

In a statement, coming ahead of the DLP’s 70th anniversary on June 1 this year, Skerrit said that the opposition forces now want to pretend that they “care more about democracy.

“We started electoral reform. We brought in the international experts. We put money behind the process. We made it happen. So do not let anyone twist the truth. We are not afraid of reform. We are ready for it. We invited it. But we will not allow confusion and lies to weaken this country,” Skerrit said in his statement.

In March, the Dominica Parliament approved electoral reform legislation even as police fired teargas and rubber bullets at opposition supporters who claimed that the government had not been transparent enough in dealing with the matter.

The Dominica government had late last year tabled the three bills, namely the Electoral Commission Bill 2024, House of Assembly (Elections) Bill 2024, and Registration of Electors Bill 2024, and Parliament gave its approval to the legislation that had been reviewed by the relevant individuals and groups since Sir Dennis Byron, the former president of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), submitted his report on electoral reform on June 12, 2023.

During the debate, one of the two opposition legislators, Anthony Charles, supported the measure, telling legislators that for more than 17 years, the issue of electoral reform has been an “ongoing debate.

“I stand for the bills to be passed,” he said to loud applause, adding “we have to start somewhere, we have to give and take and this is not about political parties showing how strong they are, this is not about the government flexing their muscle, this is about democracy.

The Registration of Electors Act makes provisions for mandatory voter confirmation during a specified period of 12 months, requiring valid documentation for verification.

Dominican citizens residing overseas who wish to be reconfirmed on the electors’ list will be required to do so in person in Dominica.

Voter Identification Cards will be issued containing key identifying information, including a photograph and advanced security features such as a unique identification number.

To enhance the autonomy and capacity of the Electoral Commission, the legislation provides for the establishment of the Electoral Commission Fund and other tools to empower the commission to oversee free and fair elections.

Usage of technology in voter registration and record management; introduction of the use of an electronic voting system; equal access to the media; and increased accessibility for persons with disabilities are also included in the legislation.

Skerrit said in his statement said “there comes a time in every nation’s story when the people must rise, not in anger but in purpose.

“Not in fear, but in unity. Dominica, that time is now. This is not just about party. This is about country. Across our hills and valleys, from every village and every home, the spirit of our people beats strong.

“We are a nation rooted in service, tested by time, and proven by our ability to rise, again and again. And when others falter, we endure. When others divide, we unite. That is the Dominica we know.”

He urged DLP supporters to ensure that the opposition forces do not use electoral reform as a weapon of confusion, “a process that we started, we funded, and we welcomed”.

He insisted that the DLP believes in democracy, saying “we believe in transparency. And we believe in the right of every Dominican to be heard and represented.

“But make no mistake, Labour will not be bullied. Labour will not be silenced. Labour will not retreat. And that, my friends, is why June 1st is more than just a date on a calendar. June 1st is a declaration. A signal to Dominica, to the region, to the world, that this party is not just alive, it is mobilised.

“June 1 my brothers and sisters is not just about politics. It is about pride. It is about protection. It is about proving that this country belongs to the people, and the people stand with Labour,” Skerrit added.