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Volume No. 1 Issue No. 40 - Wednesday April 02, 2003 |
Fresh Calls for early General Elections by Thomson Fontaine
With general elections constitutionally due in Dominica in May 2005, the political climate continues to be heated as existing political parties, past government ministers, and even a new political party join the fray in a frantic bid to form Dominica�s next government.
Based on the frenetic activity within the political arena, one could hardly guess at Dominica�s economic turmoil, and that successfully governing the country would prove to be a Herculean task. Like a prized reward waiting to be claimed, several persons and parties are positioning themselves to capture this ultimate prize.
Several months ago amidst much fanfare in the local press, the Dominica Reformed Party was launched. The party in releasing its manifesto, promised to shake up Dominica�s political landscape by providing fresh leadership and leading Dominica out of its economic woes.
However, other than registering as a political party and releasing its manifesto, it has not named a leader nor has it named any of its candidates that will participate in the elections. The party in the meantime is signing up new members all over the country and is reported to be making inroads with a disheartened electorate.
Recently, three former government ministers in the labor party government announced publicly that they would be contesting the next elections as independent candidates. Former agriculture minister Athie Martin will be making a bid for the Roseau Central constituency, former attorney general Bernard Wiltshire will contest the Castlebruce constituency and David Bruney himself a former attorney general has his eyes set on the Roseau South constituency. Political observers expect as many as twelve independent members to contest the next general elections.
The opposition United Workers party continues its unrelenting attacks against the ruling coalition by pointing to government�s inability to lead the country out of its current economic crisis. Party leaders have expressed optimism that they will form the next government.
Meanwhile, there have been several calls made by individuals and other interest groups asking the Pierre Charles government to call early elections. Most recently, David Bruney who was forced to resign as Attorney General said the Pierre Charles-led coalition Government has lost its way, hence a need for calling early elections. He added that Dominicans needed an opportunity to say whether they would like to continue under the current leaders.
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