PM Skerrit: Government to Present Electoral Reform Bills to Parliament

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, speaking at the end of year news conference

First Reading of Bills Next Monday

ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit Friday said that the government will present three electoral reform bills for the first reading only to Parliament on Monday next week and that no “protest action” will prevent the legislation being debated going forward.

Prime Minister Skerrit told reporters that the content of the bills, namely the Electoral Commission Bill 2024, House of Assembly (Elections) Bill 2024, and Registration of Electors Bill 2024, 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.

Extensive Consultations Held

Skerrit said the government held a series of consultations with public service members, political parties, trade unions, business associations, youth-based organizations, sports associations, and the media, among other groups. He said international observers from the Organization of American States (OAS), the Commonwealth, and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) participated in these consultations.

Need to Move Forward

Prime Minister Skerrit said that even now, with the first reading of the bills, parliamentarians, interest groups, and members of the public will have another opportunity to familiarize themselves with the legislation’s content and that it was also necessary to have the legislation debated soon because “unless you go to Parliament, the Electoral Commission can’t do anything.”

“There are things in the bills I do not support. It is not about me or the Cabinet…at the end, we all must want Parliament to pass the legislation…so that we can put the electoral reform to rest,” said Skerrit, who questioned the sincerity of the opposition in wanting to have the legislation debated and passed.

Electoral Reform Coalition Disappointed

However, the Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC) expressed disappointment that, after “almost two decades of demanding electoral reform,” the government is proceeding to take the electoral reform bills to Parliament “without proper public notice and scrutiny.”

Call to Make Presence Felt

The ERC said it encourages constituents to persuade their parliamentary representatives to support the electoral reform process for free and fair elections. It plans a “virtual rally” for Saturday “to discuss the volatile situation.”

The ERC also urged citizens to make their presence felt outside of Parliament on Monday.

Government Undeterred

But Prime Minister Skerrit told reporters, “I can say to the country that no protest can prevent the Parliament from debating the bills,” reiterating that the proposed electoral reform legislation has undergone extensive consultations and reviews with all relevant groups in our society.

Next Steps

The government will proceed to take the electoral reform bills to Parliament on Monday for the first reading, leaving room for changes to be made before the bills are tabled for the second and third readings.

Conclusion:

The government of Dominica has taken significant strides towards implementing electoral reforms in the country. While the Electoral Reform Coalition has raised concerns about the process, Prime Minister Skerrit remains committed to pushing through the reforms. As the country moves forward, citizens are encouraged to make their voices heard and hold their elected officials accountable for enacting meaningful change.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the three electoral reform bills presented by the government?

* The Electoral Commission Bill 2024, House of Assembly (Elections) Bill 2024, and Registration of Electors Bill 2024

What was the outcome of the consultations between the government and relevant stakeholders?

* The bills were reviewed by relevant individuals and groups, and public comments were received and considered in the drafting process

How will the bills be processed in Parliament?

* The bills will be presented to Parliament for the first reading on Monday, allowing parliamentarians and the public to review and debate the contents