“No law, No Constitution” defines the election of a new president in Dominica
By Jason Richards
September 18, 2012 9:10 A.M
Hundreds gathered outside of Parliament to express their discontent at the process followed for electing a new President (Photo Lambert Charles).
Roseau, Dominica (TDN) -- Having vowed that “no law, no Constitution” could prevent him from contesting the 2009 General Elections, prime minister Roosevelt Skerrit took his disdain for Dominica’s Constitution to a new high when he rammed through the election of a new president through Dominica’s parliament.
On Monday September 17, 2012 even as scores of protestors expressed their dissatisfaction of the election on the streets of Roseau, it seemed like a bad case of déjà vu.
Eluid Williams a former permanent secretary was voted into office by the ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) even as the opposition United Workers Party refused to attend the House sitting and joined the protestors outside.
At issue was whether the Constitution was followed in the election of Williams to replace ailing president Nicholas Liverpool.
According to Dominica’s Constitution Chapter II subsection 19:1, “Whenever the office of President is vacant or the term of office of the President is due to expire within not more than ninety days, the Prime Minister shall consult with the Leader of the Opposition as to their joint nomination of a suitable candidate for election as President.”
Clearly, the presidency became vacant on Monday when Liverpool wrote to House Speaker Alix Boyd Knight of his intention to resign. No consultation was held following the resignation and there is only one conclusion that Skerrit completely disregarded the Constitution when he forced the elections through Parliament.
Skerrit’s complete disregard for the Constitution is by no means surprising for a man who defied that same Constitution knowing full well that he was not qualified to contest the 2009 general elections.
This action undoubtedly heralds a dark day in Dominica’s history as the flagrant disregard for Dominica’s Constitution continues unchecked.
The question remains whether newly sworn in President Eliud Williams will gain the respect of the Dominican masses.
One cannot help but wonder just where this lawless behavior will end. But, one thing is certain Dominica is the loser and with this action the people are closer to descending into anarchy.
