Government’s failure to provide continuous registration violates Electoral law says UPP

Roseau, Dominica – February 3, 2026 – The United Progressive Party (UPP), led by Joshua Francis, is calling on the Electoral Commission to immediately rectify the unlawful suspension of new voter registration. The Chief Election Officer has informed the public that the suspension of new voter registration results from software and hardware development and training of registration officers.

A recent account published in local media describes how a prospective voter was denied the opportunity to register on January 12, 2026, because officials claimed the required software or technology was “not ready” to process first-time registrations. This administrative failure represents not merely an inconvenience, but a serious violation of electoral law.

Clear Legal Violation

Section 17(1) of the Registration of Electors Act, 2025 unambiguously states: “there shall be the continuous registration of people qualified under this Act to be registered as electors.” This is not a suggestion—it is a legal mandate.

By turning away new registrants for any reason, including technological or administrative unpreparedness, the Electoral Commission and the government of Dominica are in direct violation of this statutory requirement. There is no provision in law for the suspension of new voter registration due to software delays or any other administrative inconvenience.

Potential Legal Ramifications

This situation carries serious legal implications that must be addressed:

1. Constitutional Violations: The denial of voter registration may constitute an infringement of citizens’ constitutional rights to participate in the democratic process, potentially giving rise to constitutional challenges.
2. Breach of Statutory Duty: Officials responsible for voter registration have a statutory obligation under the Registration of Electors Act, 2025, to maintain continuous registration. Failure to do so constitutes a breach of this legal duty.
3. Grounds for Electoral Petition: Should elections be called while eligible citizens remain unable to register due to this administrative failure will provide grounds for an electoral petition challenging the validity of such election results.

1. Disenfranchisement Claims: Citizens who have been denied their right to register will have grounds for legal action against the state for unlawful disenfranchisement.
2. Judicial Review: The actions—or inaction—of the Electoral Commission may be subject to judicial review proceedings to compel compliance with the law.

UPP Leader Joshua Francis stated: “At a time when electoral reform is supposedly at the forefront of Dominica’s national agenda, we find that the most basic requirement—allowing citizens to register to vote—is not being met. This is unacceptable and unlawful. No citizen should be told they must wait to exercise their fundamental democratic right because the government  and Electoral Commission failed to prepare adequate systems.”

The United Progressive Party demands:

1. Immediate Resumption of new voter registration in full compliance with Section 17(1) of the Registration of Electors Act, 2025;
2. Public Statement from the Electoral Commission explaining on what legal basis new registrants have been turned away and providing a timeline for full restoration of registration services.
3. Government Accountability from the Minister/s responsible for Electoral Affairs regarding this failure of administrative preparedness;
4. Assurance that no eligible Dominican will be prevented from registering to vote due to technological, administrative, or any other delays;
5. Independent Review of the electoral reform implementation process to identify and rectify any other legal violations or administrative failures.

The UPP calls on all Dominicans who have been affected by this suspension of registration to come forward and make their experiences known. The party also calls on civil society organizations, legal professionals, and international observers to add their voices to improve the success and integrity of the electoral process in the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Electoral reform must not only be fair—it must be seen to be fair, and it must be lawful. The current situation meets none of these standards.

The government must act immediately to restore continuous voter registration as the law requires. Anything less is a betrayal of democratic principles and a violation of the legal rights of Dominican citizens.