The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, recently interacted with the media during a press conference on Monday, February 27, 2023. The Prime Minister announced that Sir Dennis Byron would present his final report on electoral modernization next month.
The country had consulted Sir Byron to assist their mission to make the electoral procedures of Dominica up to date. In 2020, the government of Dominica, headed by Dr Skerrit, asked the reputable jurist of the Caribbean, Sir Dennis Byron, to assess the electoral processes of the Commonwealth of Dominica and make recommendations for introducing reforms in the processes.
The Prime Minister noted in the press conference that the respected jurist had assured him that he would receive the submission of the report on March 25, 2023. Talking along the same lines, the prime Minister shared with the media that the Organization of American States (OAS) and The Commonwealth provide technical support to the mission.
Electoral reforms are an essential part of development as regular assessment of the electoral processes would assist in correctly implementing and acknowledging the rules implemented in the laws. Additionally, these regular inspections will ensure that the laws remain in line with the practices and needs of the modern world.
The organizations will send election experts to Dominica to help the authorities conduct public consultations before introducing the bills in the parliament. Elaborating on the same, he announced that he and Minister of Foreign Affairs Vince Henderson met with the OAS Secretary General during the 44th Meeting of the CARICOM heads of state.
The two leaders interacted with the secretary general, during the interaction. OAS Secretary general shared that he was waiting for the government of Dominica to give them the precise date regarding when they would send the expert to Dominica. The secretary general of CARICOM will also travel to Dominica for the initiative.
Dr Skerrit shared that the presence of these individuals would help in ensuring that the process remains transparent and Dominica can see the initiative through to the end.
