The launch of Dominica’s national voter confirmation campaign whose start date has been delayed until October 2025, has sparked strong backlash from critics who claim the process is being manipulated to favor overseas-based voters. The controversy follows a recent amendment passed in Parliament to adjust the timeline for the campaign’s commencement.
The confirmation campaign was originally scheduled to begin in September this year, but delays in finalizing regulations prompted the government to seek an amendment to the Registration of Electors Act. On August 30, 2025, Parliament approved a one-month extension to allow the Electoral Commission additional time to prepare. The amendment was presented as a technical adjustment to align the legislation with the operational readiness of the Commission.
Chief Elections Officer Anthia Joseph announced that the Electoral Office would begin an aggressive public education effort to inform citizens about the confirmation process. She emphasized that the campaign is essential for “electoral integrity” and encouraged Dominicans, especially those visiting during the World Creole Music Festival, Independence celebrations, and Christmas season, to take advantage of the opportunity to confirm their voter registration.
However, critics argue that the amendment was rushed and lacked transparency. The revised timeline has intensified scrutiny over the government’s handling of electoral reform and voter registration procedures.
Pastor Randy Rodney and former United Workers Party (UWP) president Isaac Baptiste have both publicly condemned the campaign and the legislative changes. Rodney cited Sections 7 and 8 of the Registration of Electors Act, arguing that the law requires individuals to reside in Dominica for at least 12 months prior to the qualifying date and in a specific polling district for three months. He asserted that visiting Dominicans do not meet these criteria and warned that registering them could constitute election fraud.
Baptiste echoed these concerns and accused the ruling Dominica Labour Party of deliberately importing voter support from overseas. He referenced past elections where individuals allegedly arrived with suitcases in hand to vote, claiming that constituencies such as La Plaine, Grand Fond, Riviere Cyrique, Mahaut and St. Joseph were won through such tactics.
Baptiste also accused the Chief Elections Officer of “playing the hand of the Labour Party”. He expressed frustration over the government’s approach to electoral reform, pointing out that despite the fact that several senior citizens, “patriots of this country,” were before the courts, arrested and charged because they were demonstrating for more meaningful electoral reform, the issues of complete re-registration and campaign finance regulations remain unaddressed.
One of the central issues raised by critics is the lack of clarity in the confirmation form regarding residency requirements. Baptiste argued that while the legislation mandates residency, the form used for confirmation does not explicitly ask for it, creating a legal inconsistency. He warned that this could lead to disputes during the voting process, particularly for individuals residing overseas.
Both Rodney and Baptiste called for comprehensive electoral reform, pointing to other Caribbean nations that have implemented changes without controversy. They urged the government to address campaign finance regulations and ensure that the confirmation process adheres strictly to legal standards.
As the confirmation campaign begins, the Electoral Office has not publicly responded to the criticisms. The government maintains that the campaign is a necessary step toward strengthening the electoral system, but questions continue to arise about its timing, legality, and intent.
With Dominica’s population estimated at under 70,000 and a registered voter base of approximately 40,000 to 50,000, the campaign’s outcome could have significant implications for the next general election. The debate over voter eligibility and electoral reform is expected to remain a central issue in the months ahead.