PM Skerrit announces 7th June for a by-election to fill the now vacant seat in the Soufriere Constituency

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announces 7th June for a by-election to fill the now vacant seat in the Soufriere Constituency.  Mr Skerrit said in a statement on Monday afternoon, “As of Tuesday 26th April, 2016, the seat of the elected member of the Soufriere Constituency became vacant as a result of his resignation. In accordance with Section 55 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, a by-election shall be held to fill the vacancy within three months of the occurrence of the vacancy.”

The Soufriere seat became vacant on April 26, when MP Ian Pinard resigned based on what he described as allegations made against him. The Soufriere Constituency consists of the communities of Soufriere, Scottshead, Gallion and Pointe Michel.

Mr Skerrit said in keeping with the Constitution, he has advised the “President of Dominica that the by-election for the Soufriere Constituency be held on the 7th June, 2016, and nomination day be declared to be the 20th May, 2016.” 

​“In that regard, and further to Section 12 of the House of Assembly (Elections) Act, I further requested of His Excellency, the issuance of writs on the 9th May, 2016 for the purpose of the aforesaid election,” the Prime Minister said.