Wednesday, March 10, 2010
March 17, 2010 is court date for petitions contesting the 2009 Dominica elections
TheDominican.net Newsdesk
A hearing for the court petitions lodged by the United Workers party (UWP) against the conduct of the December 18, 2009 general elections in Dominica have been scheduled for March 17, 2010.
In January, the UWP filed suit against the Skerrit government alleging gross irregularities in the conduct of the poll, which saw the incumbent Dominica Labour Party win by an 18 – 3 majority.
Topping the petition list is the allegation that Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit illegally contested the elections since he was at the time the holder of dual French and Dominica citizenship, an action not permitted under Dominica’s laws.
The court is being requested to set aside the Prime Minister’s victory in the Vielle Case constituency and to allow the UWP candidate, former government minister Maynard Joseph, to assume the seat.
A similar petition was lodged in the La Plaine constituency where UWP leader Ron Green lost by two votes to Peter St Jean the current education minister. St Jean is alleged to be the holder of dual American and Dominican citizenship.
Other petitions relate to charges of bribery involving the payment by the government of airline tickets for several hundred overseas based Dominicans to return to vote for the ruling party.
Last month, Prime Minister Skerrit denied persistent rumors that he was about to resign in anticipation of the court’s ruling. At the time, he expressed confidence that the courts would rule in his favor since the UWP charges were largely baseless.
The UWP’s legal team is headed by Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes of Trinidad and Tobago.
A hearing for the court petitions lodged by the United Workers party (UWP) against the conduct of the December 18, 2009 general elections in Dominica have been scheduled for March 17, 2010.
In January, the UWP filed suit against the Skerrit government alleging gross irregularities in the conduct of the poll, which saw the incumbent Dominica Labour Party win by an 18 – 3 majority.
 Former UWP leader Ron Green have challenged his election loss in court. |
Topping the petition list is the allegation that Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit illegally contested the elections since he was at the time the holder of dual French and Dominica citizenship, an action not permitted under Dominica’s laws.
The court is being requested to set aside the Prime Minister’s victory in the Vielle Case constituency and to allow the UWP candidate, former government minister Maynard Joseph, to assume the seat.
A similar petition was lodged in the La Plaine constituency where UWP leader Ron Green lost by two votes to Peter St Jean the current education minister. St Jean is alleged to be the holder of dual American and Dominican citizenship.
Other petitions relate to charges of bribery involving the payment by the government of airline tickets for several hundred overseas based Dominicans to return to vote for the ruling party.
Last month, Prime Minister Skerrit denied persistent rumors that he was about to resign in anticipation of the court’s ruling. At the time, he expressed confidence that the courts would rule in his favor since the UWP charges were largely baseless.
The UWP’s legal team is headed by Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes of Trinidad and Tobago.
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// posted by TheDominican.net @ 6:16 PM
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Dominican lets forget about the PM, MR.James, Mr. Green and their Parties but what will happen in the COURTS and where we go from there next because what is being discussed if the CONSTITUTION and DEMOCRACY have you thought about it.
# posted by 
: March 10, 2010 7:19 PM
: March 10, 2010 7:19 PM
I have the following comments to make apart from hoping for a fair and honest judgement in the case I am quite shocked that the PM has resorted to announcing a by election if the boycot continues, and to increase ther egularity of the parliament meetings does he not realise that this is a threat to democracy and serves only to add fuel to the fire of strength missused.
It is afundamental right to protest against a wrong valid or not that is the basis of democracy, this is indicative of dictatorship and a dangerous path to tread, the observation I make is that it shows and displays a disregard not only for the constitution but for the very freedoms of the individual, it is alike to the Shavez actions of late, you will do as I say or suffer the consequences, such threats have no place in democracy and displays a disregard for diplomacy, in fine it weakens Skerrit.
Further it threatens the entire constitution and it must stop before it gets worse, Burke wrote "the only thing nessesary for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing" this dictatorial stance employed by Skerrit is an evil aginst democracy and a total disgrace, never again will I vote for him.
It is afundamental right to protest against a wrong valid or not that is the basis of democracy, this is indicative of dictatorship and a dangerous path to tread, the observation I make is that it shows and displays a disregard not only for the constitution but for the very freedoms of the individual, it is alike to the Shavez actions of late, you will do as I say or suffer the consequences, such threats have no place in democracy and displays a disregard for diplomacy, in fine it weakens Skerrit.
Further it threatens the entire constitution and it must stop before it gets worse, Burke wrote "the only thing nessesary for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing" this dictatorial stance employed by Skerrit is an evil aginst democracy and a total disgrace, never again will I vote for him.
# posted by : March 11, 2010 8:22 AM
: March 11, 2010 8:22 AM
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : March 11, 2010 8:22 AM
The PM so called threat is the best thing to get this men to the parliament to debate the people's issues and concern.
These men lose the election on a level playing field and now they can't stomach the result , so instead of working in the interest of Dominica, have resorted to working in the interest of self and their hatred of Skerrit.
But as a resident of Roseau, I am going to forward a petition to Have Prevost revoked in Roseau central.
Are you going to call my action Dictatorship?
The PM so called threat is the best thing to get this men to the parliament to debate the people's issues and concern.
These men lose the election on a level playing field and now they can't stomach the result , so instead of working in the interest of Dominica, have resorted to working in the interest of self and their hatred of Skerrit.
But as a resident of Roseau, I am going to forward a petition to Have Prevost revoked in Roseau central.
Are you going to call my action Dictatorship?
# posted by : March 11, 2010 6:33 PM
: March 11, 2010 6:33 PM
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : March 11, 2010 8:22 AM
This is the best thing the PM did for the boys...although they are older than the PM...HAUL THEIR BEHIND BACK TO PARLIAMENT.
YOU WILL SEE HOW FAST THOSE UWP FOOLS WILL GO BACK TO DO THE REAL PEOPLE BUSINESS
This is the best thing the PM did for the boys...although they are older than the PM...HAUL THEIR BEHIND BACK TO PARLIAMENT.
YOU WILL SEE HOW FAST THOSE UWP FOOLS WILL GO BACK TO DO THE REAL PEOPLE BUSINESS
# posted by : March 12, 2010 9:23 AM
: March 12, 2010 9:23 AM
the last two comments I note with intrest which quite obviously support dictatorship, the frist one is protesting and organising a petition he is free to do that after all it is a democracy so it is ok for yourself to protest but no one else, yes under this remit it is tantamount to a dictatorial action,
As to the second this person is a little stale on the events of late the oposition party and others have been toiling away for the benefit of democracy and tne benefit of the people
As to the second this person is a little stale on the events of late the oposition party and others have been toiling away for the benefit of democracy and tne benefit of the people
# posted by : March 12, 2010 11:10 AM
: March 12, 2010 11:10 AM
My God help us in DA-There is so much ignorance and stupidity amongst our people it is a shame. Skerrit became a French citizen as an adult-what are you saying sbout that Mr.? Facts are facts- they are not red or blue or green facts. I support what the UWP folks are doing and wish them well and strenght. They are not inciting violence--they are good people--Can you guys from the Red party attempt to discuss policy issues?
# posted by : March 12, 2010 12:47 PM
: March 12, 2010 12:47 PM
There is ignorance and stupidity everywhere, particularly among those eager to identify such. Can a French citizen be signatory to a treaty between France and any other country of which he is also a citizen? Sounds more like France signing a treaty with itself. As head of government of a foreign state, Skerrit cannot be recognised as a citizen of France.
# posted by : March 12, 2010 6:24 PM
: March 12, 2010 6:24 PM
I see the logic in the last comment but like it or not if you have dual citizenship then you are recognised by the countries as such a dual citizen, weteher it is China Japan or whatever jurisdiction. I am sure thet the ensuing case will clear away any doubts let us pray therefore that the test in court will be fair and honest, then Dominica may be able to proceed.
# posted by : March 13, 2010 7:29 AM
: March 13, 2010 7:29 AM
People get over it. Mr. Skerritt is the legitimate PM of Dominica. Your hatred towards him serves as blinders to the country’s development. The election is over and you have failed at getting him out. Instead, your arrogance and Mr. Green’s failed leadership only increased his popularity. When are you bone heads going to admit that Ron Green messed up? The white elephant is jumping and screaming but you still cannot see it. Get with the program you Skerrit haters. Mr. Green is an embarrassment to ALL Dominicans. I’m waiting to hear what you all have to say after the court rule in his favor. I hope you all have enough money to pay the lawyer when Mr.Green decides to take the case to the Privy Council.
# posted by : March 13, 2010 8:26 PM
: March 13, 2010 8:26 PM Links to this post:
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