ROSEAU, Dominica – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has announced that a by-election will be held in the Roseau North constituency on September 7, following the resignation of former parliamentary representative Miriam Blanchard.
In a statement on Sunday, Skerrit said he has advised President Sylvanie Burton to issue a writ under the Public Seal of the State for the holding of the by-election.
Nomination Day has been set for Friday, August 21, while electors in Roseau North will go to the polls on Monday, September 7.
The vacancy arose after Blanchard resigned as parliamentary representative for Roseau North on June 12.
Skerrit said the by-election is being called pursuant to Section 12 of the House of Assembly (Elections) Act and in keeping with the Constitution.
Section 55 (3) of the Constitution provides that when the seat of an elected representative becomes vacant for a reason other than the dissolution of Parliament, a by-election must be held within three months of the vacancy unless the House is dissolved earlier.
“The democratic process established under our Constitution ensures that the people of Roseau North will have the opportunity to elect a representative to serve their interests in Parliament and continue the important work of national development,” Skerrit said.
The prime minister urged eligible voters to participate and called for a peaceful and orderly campaign focused on the issues.
“I urge all eligible electors in the constituency to participate in this important democratic exercise and conduct themselves in a manner that promotes a peaceful, orderly and issue-based campaign,” he said.
Skerrit, who leads the ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP), said the party intends to engage voters in Roseau North during the campaign and present its plans for the constituency and the wider country.
“The Dominica Labour Party Government, which I have the honour to lead, looks forward to engaging the people of Roseau North throughout this by-election campaign, presenting our vision for the continued development of the constituency and the country,” he said.
The prime minister did not name the DLP candidate for the by-election in his statement.
