On January 23, 2023, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica held a meeting with Sir Dennis Byron to discuss the Electoral Reform Report submitted to the government in December. The meeting took place in Dominica and was aimed at reviewing the recommendations made by Sir Dennis Byron in his report. The two leaders discussed the report, and Prime Minister Skerrit stated that he had no difficulties with the recommendations.
Sir Dennis Byron was engaged by the government of Dominica in 2020 to help advance efforts towards electoral reform. Electoral reform has been a hotly debated topic among political parties in Dominica for several years and was a key issue in the lead-up to the December 6, 2022, polls. The government’s aim is to pass the necessary legislation in Parliament before June 30, 2023.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Skerrit emphasised the urgency of getting the report out of the way, and Sir Dennis Byron indicated that he believes the legislation can be passed in April of this year. The Prime Minister hopes that all those who have been advocating for electoral reform will support the recommendations and sign off on them.
The government of Dominica has planned to hold public consultations on the Sir Dennis Byron report. This will allow the public to learn more about the recommendations and voice their opinions. The Prime Minister noted that this is a crucial time for the country and that everyone should come together to make sure that electoral reform is implemented.
The meeting between Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Sir Dennis Byron was a constructive engagement focused on the Electoral Reform Report. The government’s aim is to pass the necessary legislation in parliament before June 30th, 2023 and to hold public consultations on the report. The Prime Minister hopes for the support of all those who have been advocating for electoral reform and that everyone will come together to make sure that the recommendations are implemented.