Last Updated on December 6, 2019, 11:39 PM AST by Anthony Morris
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit roared back to power in a historic victory in which the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) bagged more than 50% of the votes in 21 constituencies. The enormous mandate — the DLP had won 18 seats — meant the 47-year-old leader had become the Prime Minister for the fourth consecutive five-year term with a full majority. This is the fifth consecutive victory for DLP.
PM Skerrit has led Dominica, home to 75,000 people, since 2004.
The DLP’s stunning win pointed to a fundamental shift in Dominican politics, in which the development and public welfare appear to be more relevant than the allegation politics.
However, Lennox Linton led United Workers’ Party (UWP) has faced a crushing defeat in the general election as it has managed to win only three seats. The UWP has witnessed a downward trend as the opposition party has lost three seats in this elections, against six seats when compared to previous elections. The corruption scandal allegations made by UWP leader Linton has failed to put any impact on the poll results. The result shows that the UWP campaign has totally failed to reach the hearts of Dominicans.
After the election the victory Skerrit said that thanked all the Dominicans and congratulated them terming his victory as “the people’s victory”. He said that next weekend when there is a greater sense of calm, they would then hold the victory parties, motorcades and celebrations.
Coming heavily on the opposition UWP Skerrit in his 14-minutes post result address said As a Prime Minister he cannot allow the UWP campaign of road blocking, recklessness and intimidation and abuse to continue indefinitely and unabated. He said that there must and will be respect for law and order in this country.
From Wednesday, UWP supporters are protesting recklessly, they have set up roadblocks, stopping traffic to the airport and forcing people to walk to the airfield. They have also set ablaze in some parts.
Skerrit said it was only by God’s grace and mercy that no one was seriously hurt in the lead up to the elections.
Skerrit called upon the UWP’s leadership and supporters to halt the conduct and behaviour of the last few weeks. “Concede defeat and let the country come together”, he said, noting that an Opposition is an important institution in a democratic society.
Skerrit also appealed to all the citizens of Dominica to move forward in unity.
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.
