Former Attorney Generals Bernard Wiltshire and Henry Dyer submit that the conduct of the December 6, 2019 “general elections” was marked by many irregularities.
They contend that notwithstanding, the initial statements by the Elections Observers respecting the holding of free and fair elections because electors were able, on December 6, 2019 to peacefully access some of the polling stations and cast their ballots in the presence of elections officers and polling agents, the conduct of the December 6, 2019 “general elections” was marked by many irregularities. First, the mere fact that electors were able, on December 6, 2019, to peacefully access some of the polling stations and cast their ballots in the presence of elections officers and polling agents is not in and of itself sufficient to make those “elections” credible. Secondly, the “elections” lacked the basic characteristics of inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, and competitiveness needed for such elections to be considered credible. Thirdly, the “elections” were held under conditions of fear and intimidation by the security forces that were present in Dominica on the invitation of the President of Dominica, Charles A. Savarin. To this end, we note with deep concern the reports respecting the indiscriminate tear-gassing of sleeping residents of the communities of Salisbury and Marigot and the related reckless and careless shooting of innocent persons including an American citizen and a Haitian national who is a minor. We also note with further concern the reports respecting double voting, multiple voting, and impersonation of voters (whether alive or dead) that occurred during the holding of the December 6, 2019 “general elections. We further note with deep concern the reports respecting the illegal removal of names of numerous qualified electors from the electoral lists in several constituencies. In addition, we are alarmed by reports respecting the open and illegal distribution of cash (by known operatives, organisers and activists of the Dominica Labour Party) to voters within the precincts of several polling stations including polling stations at Layou, Belles, Salybia, Newtown, Bath Estate and in the Roseau Valley. We strongly condemn the refusal by the Dominica Labour Party Government to implement the smallest of changes to the outdated and loose electoral laws as well as the failure of the Electoral Commission to enforce those laws. We also strongly condemn the involvement of the Dominica Labour Party in the illegal movement of not less than 3,000 voters into and out of Dominica for the “elections” in what is a clear case of bribery and treating. More importantly, we strongly condemn the use of the constitutional and statutory powers of the Prime Minister, the President and the Electoral Commission for an unlawful purpose, namely unlawfully frustrating the will of the people residing in Dominica to elect a government of their choice. The irregularities that reportedly occurred during the holding of those “general elections” are a direct result of the absence of proper means of identifying voters and the absence of an effective mechanism to prevent persons from voting more than once in the same election. Similarly, we note the Report of the Joint CARICOM, Commonwealth, OAS Special Mission To Dominica August 6 to 9, 2019 where it is stated that “[a]n unsuccessful attempt at (electoral) reform could have serious consequences”. We are of the view that the outdated and loose election laws in the hands of the Prime Minister and the President and the Electoral Commission have collectively become a “weapon of oppression”. The effective use of this “weapon of oppression” during the election period is likely to affect the enjoyment of fundamental rights in Dominica. Unfortunately, it would appear that the Elections Observers were not required to note those irregularities or in the alternative if these irregularities were noted, they have been summarily dismissed in their initial statements. In the circumstances, we, as fair-minded observers and electors, cannot treat or recognize the “elections” as being credible, fair or valid. We, therefore, call on all fair-minded Dominicans and institutions, whether locally, regionally and internationally, to refuse to recognize the Roosevelt Skerrit Government installed on the basis of these practices and to support the call for fresh elections on a proper and fair voting system within six months. Signed Bernard Wiltshire Henry Dyer Former Attorney General
4 Comments
Norman ROLLE
12/11/2019 02:02:25 pm
Gross manipulation and dishonesty of the tactics used to generate votes far in excess of the registered and legally recorded voters.
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Shirley Anthony
12/11/2019 07:51:48 pm
So true. This is dictatorship . People out side of the country for many years come vote and leave.. That’s a disgrace.
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John
12/12/2019 12:17:54 am
UWP operatives are pure loosers
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