Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC) Condemns Government’s Actions on Electoral Reform Bills That Were Passed into Law on Wednesday March 19, 2025 and The Unwarranted Use of Force Displayed by Members of the Dominica Police Force on the Citizens of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
The Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC) expresses its profound abhorrence at the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica’s decision to pass into law the 2024 Electoral Reform Bills without incorporating key provisions essential for free, fair, and transparent elections in Dominica.
Specifically, the ERC condemns the omission of provisions for Re-Registration of Voters, Voter ID with Biometrics, and Campaign Financing Regulations—critical measures that are fundamental to ensuring electoral integrity and public confidence in the democratic process.
Furthermore, the ERC strongly denounces the arbitrary, unprofessional and excessive use of force as was displayed by the police officers stationed at the assembly, against citizens who had gathered at a reasonable distance from Parliament to peacefully express their discontent with the passage of these Bills.
The use of intimidation and in some cases physical assault and aggression against law-abiding citizens exercising their democratic rights is wholly unacceptable and represents a grave threat to democracy and fundamental freedoms in Dominica and also violates citizen’s rights to assembly and protest as enshrined in United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The people of Dominica remain resolute in their demand for comprehensive and meaningful electoral reform and will not stop agitating for this reform. The ERC stands firm in its commitment to advocating for a transparent, just, and democratic electoral system and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and respected.
The fight for proper electoral reform is far from over. The ERC calls upon all citizens, civil society organizations, and the international community to stand in solidarity with the people of the Commonwealth of Dominica in this crucial struggle for democracy and good governance.
Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC)
March 19, 2025
