Last Updated on November 16, 2022, 11:11 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Roseau: Dominica’s opposition United Workers Party appears to have changed its position on contesting the general elections. Dr Irving Pascal, the spokesperson of the United Workers Party, has hinted at his party’s participation in the December 06 snap elections. During a radio talk show on Q 95 FM on Wednesday morning, he asked party members to run as independent candidates in the polls.
Pascal, who is one of the contenders for leadership of the United Workers Party, said he would deposit the $500 EC nomination deposit. Adding that the “United Workers Party must not let the Dominica Labour Party run unchallenged,”.
Reginald Austrie, a senior minister in the Dominica Labour Party-led government, stated that he is not startled by the UWP spokesman’s remarks. According to him, this is another indication of the disarray within the UWP.
“A party without a leader. No policies. No plan. The same United Workers Party claims the election is rigged, yet they still wish to contest in secret because they know that most people do not support them,” Reginald Austrie continued.
The United Workers Party, which holds only three seats in Dominica’s parliament, had been struggling to find a party head for weeks following Lennox Linton’s resignation. As per reports, due to the ongoing conflict among the party members, the party is yet to find a person to lead it into the future.
The opposition had earlier maintained that it would not contest elections, adding electoral reforms as its primary reason. However, Pascal’s statement hinted that the party is all set to change its stance.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit had also accused the United Workers Party of spreading misinformation. He maintained that the UWP was never in the parliament to represent people but just for the sake of the salaries and other benefits associated with the position.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
