The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) has begun its work in preparation for the Commonwealth of Dominica’s general election on Tuesday, December 6.
The observer group, comprised of Commonwealth members, is in Dominica at the invitation of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.
They will be deployed across the country to observe and assess the pre-election environment, election day procedures, and post-election period in light of the Commonwealth of Dominica’s national legislation and regulations, as well as regional and international commitments. The Group will observe the opening, voting, closing, counting, and results-management processes on election day.
Hon. Amina Mohamed, Chair of the COG and former Kenyan Cabinet Secretary, stated in her arrival statement that she was honored to lead the Observer Group.
“We are keenly aware of the importance of elections in a democracy as they are the ultimate expression of a people’s will and ability to shape their societies. Casting a vote is a fundamental human right.
“As is customary, we will report on whether the elections have been conducted to the standards to which the Commonwealth of Dominica has committed itself, including its own laws. Our mandate is to observe, and not to interfere with, the process.
“We urge stakeholders to make full use of the freedoms that have been granted to them by law, in support of the further development of democratic process, and commit to peaceful elections, consistent with the Commonwealth’s values and principles,” she noted.
The Group will also meet and have briefings with the police, political party representatives and other local stakeholders including the Electoral Commission, the media, citizen groups as well as groups representing women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
The observers will issue an interim statement of its preliminary findings on 8 December before departing Dominica by 11 December 2022.
The final report, which will include recommendations for future electoral processes, will be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, and thereafter shared with the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, relevant stakeholders, and the people of Dominica.
