By Staff Writer
ROSEAU, Dominica, Aug 28, CMC – The Dominica government Thursday said that it will take to Parliament on Friday, legislation to amend the Registration of Electors Act following a request from the Electoral Commission (EC) for additional time to commence the voter confirmation process.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit told a news conference that the amendments will ensure that the voter registration process is enhanced and that “it will be more secure, reliable, and transparent.
“By introducing biometric data collection, stricter documentation requirements, and clearer procedural safeguards, we expect that the regulations will strengthen public confidence in the electoral system while safeguarding the rights of eligible electors, including those with physical limitations.
“This government remains committed to ensuring the successful implementation of these reforms. Though we would have wished for the confirmation process to begin without delay, we will continue to support the Electoral Commission so that Dominica’s elections remain transparent, credible, and reflective of the will of our people,” Skerrit told reporters.
He said that the Commission had written to the government on August 21, this year, indicating that the first of September is not feasible to commence this important exercise and therefore sought an extension.
Skerrit said that for clarity, the period, September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026, had been declared as “the confirmation period for the registration of electors under the Registration of Electors Act 2025.
“According to the Commission, an adjustment of the confirmation period is necessary to allow for installation of critical equipment; modifications to the software specifications, amendments to the governing regulations; and the recruitment of employees required for the confirmation process. “
Skerrit told reporters that he had been advised that the equipment required for the confirmation process had been delivered to the electoral office, and centers had been identified. He said the Commission is currently installing the equipment and finalizing staffing arrangements and training.
Skerrit said that the Regulations have been amended and gazetted, and all necessary forms have been printed to facilitate the process.
“The Commission has advised that the extension will allow for the resolution of outstanding operational challenges while affording adequate time to engage the public. It will embark on a national media campaign from September 1, 2025, on the confirmation process to ensure that the electorate is well informed and prepared.”
He said as a result, the government will on Friday table legislation to “consider and approve the necessary measure to grant the requested extension for the formal process of confirmation of electors to begin on October 15 this year.
“As you are all aware, this Government has consistently demonstrated its commitment to electoral reform,” Skerrit said, noting that on March 19, 2024, Parliament debated and passed three landmark electoral reform bills with bipartisan support.
These are the Registration of Electors Bill & Regulations, the House of Assembly (Elections) & Registration Bill, and the Electoral Commission Bill.
Skerrit said, additionally, the Electoral Commission, in July 2025, gazetted the Registration of Electors Regulations 2025, introducing important changes to the process of registering and confirming registration as electors in Dominica.
He said these amendments, made by the Commission under section 36 of the Registration of Electors Act, 2025, are aimed at strengthening the integrity of the electoral system and modernising the procedures for voter registration.
“One of the key measures is the implementation of a voter ID card and the tightening of identification requirements. Applicants must now present either a valid passport, a driver’s license, or a social security registration card issued by the Dominica Social Security.
“In addition, every registering officer is required to capture a facial image of the applicant, which, along with the person’s details and signature or mark, will be securely stored in an electronic database maintained by the Chief Registering Officer.”
Skerrit said that the regulations also provide a detailed framework for confirming registration and that individuals applying to confirm their registration must complete the necessary document, sign it in the presence of an enrolment officer, and have their application witnessed by a registered elector within their polling district.
“Citizens of Dominica must furnish a valid passport, driver’s license, or social security card.
Commonwealth citizens are required to present a valid passport, another official document confirming their nationality and identity, and an affidavit of identification. “
He said that recognizing accessibility needs, the regulations make special provisions for individuals who are physically incapacitated and unable to attend designated registration centres.
“In such cases, enrolment officers are mandated to visit the applicant at home to facilitate the confirmation of registration,” Skerrit added.
Despite the passage in Parliament of the electoral reform bills, the opposition parties here remain opposed to how the Skerrit administration is pushing ahead with the issue of electoral reform, and in April, the The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) called on the government to ensure that the electoral reform process, beyond the passage of legislation adheres to international human rights standards.
“The reform of electoral systems must aim to strengthen the independence of electoral institutions, promote fair and transparent campaign financing, and ensure equitable access to the electoral process,” the IACHR said.
But in response, the government said “Dominica’s commitment to democratic participation is clear and the Government has at all times approached the electoral reform process with openness, good faith and transparency.
“The Commonwealth of Dominica fully respects the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in our Constitution and the various Treaties to which it is a party and is committed to the rule of law. The Government of Dominica will continue to act in the interest of all its citizens, upholding the values of justice, peace, and participatory governance,” it added.
CMC/cj/ir/2025