DPSU advising against proceeding with proposed Dominica Electoral Laws changes to avoid civil unrest

The Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) is advising against proceeding with the Government’s proposed amendments to Dominica’s Electoral Laws.
 
General Secretary Thomas Letang issued a statement today Wednesday, that the DPSU welcomed the decision to suspend parliamentary debate on the matter, and called on the Government to take the honourable step of totally abandoning their intention to proceed with the amendment”.
 
He said, “It is the considered view of the DPSU, that to proceed with the amendments to the Act would be an error which could result in a much-divided nation, and civil unrest”.
 
Some days ago, many Dominicans protested outside the Parliament, stating they were against amending the laws, since this would legalize treating and bribery. Debate on the matter was subsequently suspended on the grounds of public safety.
 
Letang said the DPSU has been paying close attention, with much concern about these recent developments. He added that “Opponents to the proposed amendments advance the position that it will tend to prejudice the interpretation of certain sections of the laws regarding bribery and treating”.
 
He added further, that such action appears to have the potential of compromising our constitutional means of electing a Government, by corrupting the process, and thereby inflict electoral bias and injustice upon us.
 
Letang called on all Dominicans to put aside political affiliations and partisanship in addressing the matter. He added that “while the DPSU supports the need for electoral reforms, we believe that any such reform should aim at advancing and improving our democracy, and providing an equal, just and fair opportunity for all political parties”.
 
He concluded by saying, “We solicit the support of other right-thinking persons, to join us in this just call.”