The Organization of American States' chief Luis Almagro on Tuesday commented the massive protests against the government that took place the night before, supporting the opposition demanding an electoral reform ahead of the coming elections.
The former French and British colony of about 75,000 residents is holding new elections on Decemeber 6. However, the opposition United Workers’ Party has been pushing the governing party to enact reforms in a bid to gain a better electoral advantage.
The people of #Dominica deserve democratic, fair, inclusive and transparent elections. Democracy is the best antidote against violence. An #OAS Observation Mission would be essential to provide assurance and suggest improvements to the system https://t.co/0sX74LK1a2
— Luis Almagro (@Almagro_OEA2015) 20 de noviembre de 2019
More than 200 protesters clashed with the police when they tried to march to President Charles Savarin’s home Monday night to call for reforms.
According to new reports, the security forces set up barricades in Roseau as the prosters call for the implementation of electoral reforms, which were dictated by the Organization of American States at a meeting in August.
Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has since addressed the small Caribbean island nation to condemn the "intrusion of violence into the election campaign," pointing out that the protesters are not demonstrating because of electoral reform, as previously reported by the western media.
The premier also stated that the upcoming election will be governed by the same process as all elections, highlighting the fact that his opposition under the same system during the last election.