Dominica PM calls snap general elections for Dec. 6

Dominica Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit Sunday night announced snap general elections, saying that nationals will go to the polls on Dec. 6 and that Nomination Day will be held on Nov. 18.
“We have set ourselves on a progressive path of development and growth that will see prosperity for our people and our country,” said Skerrit in a nationwide radio and television address. “I shall be honored to use the benefits of my 22 years’ experience in politics to lead the Dominica Labor Party (DLP) and this country, through this period of global social, political and economic uncertainty.
“We shall be the change that the country requires as we continually reshape, adjust, and correct course, as we move steadfastly towards that dynamic Dominica, a resilient Dominica,” he added. “With that in mind, I shall lead a new-look Dominica Labor Party into fresh general elections that will be held at the soonest possible time.
“I want for the year 2023 to begin with a fresh mandate, given to a fresh Labor team, to commence the work of building post-COVID Dominica,” the prime minister continued. “With this in mind, today I met with His Excellency the President (Charles Savarin) and advised that he dissolves the current Parliament of this country effective immediately.
“I have asked that a fresh writ be issued on Monday 7th November, 2022 for the holding of general elections in the Commonwealth of Dominica,” he said.
Skerrit, who is in his fourth, five-year term as prime minister, said the DLP will reveal its new-look slate of candidates in Mahaut on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
The prime minister’s announcement came just over one month after Leader of the Opposition, Lennox Linton, of the United Workers Party (UWP) resigned from his position.
In the last election, the DLP won 18 of the 21 seats in Parliament, with UWP securing the remaining three.