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Parliament name House of Assembly More photos  >>> Structure of parliament Unicameral Affiliation to the IPU No Affiliation date(s) LEADERSHIP President Alix Boyd Knights (F)  Notes Re-elected on 4 Feb. 2010. Secretary General Deirdre D. Jules (a.i.) (F)  Notes 2 March 2009 - COMPOSITION Members (statutory / current number) 32 / 28 PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN More statistics  >>> Women (current number) 4 (14.29%) Mode of designation Directly elected 21 Appointed 9 Other 2 Notes Appointed members: appointed by the Head of State. Other: the Speaker and the Attorney General. Term 5 years Last renewal dates 18 December 2009 (View details) CONTACT INFORMATION Address House of Assembly Victoria Street ROSEAU (Export mailing lists) Phone (1767) 448 2401 ext. 3291 ext. 3562 Fax (1767) 449 8353 E-mail houseofassembly@cwdom.dm Website http://www.dominica.gov.dm/cms/index.php?q=node/13

Parliament name House of Assembly Structure of parliament Unicameral LEGAL FRAMEWORK Electoral law 16 July 1951 Last amendment: 1990 Mode of designation Directly elected 21 Appointed 9 Other 2 Constituencies 21 single-member constituencies. Voting system Majority: Direct election. Simple majority vote. Vacancies of Representatives' seats between general elections are filled through by-elections, held within 3 months. Senators' seats are filled through appointment, also within 3 months. Voting is not compulsory Voter requirements - age: 18 years - British Commonwealth citizenship - fulfilment of residence or domicile requirements CANDIDATES Eligibility - age: 21 years - Dominican citizenship (Commonwealth citizenship for Senate candidates) - residence in Dominica or previous 12 months' residence immediately before nomination - sufficient ability to speak and read English - ineligibility: allegiance to a foreign State, undischarged bankruptcy, insanity, death sentence or imprisonment exceeding 12 months Incompatibilities - ministers of religion - certain government contractors Candidacy requirements - deposit equivalent to US$ 184, which is reimbursed if the candidate obtains at least 1/8 of the valid votes cast in the constituency

Parliament name House of Assembly Structure of parliament Unicameral BACKGROUND Dates of election / renewal (from/to) 18 December 2009 Timing and scope of renewal Early elections were held for all the 21 directly elected seats. General elections had previously been held in May 2005. On 19 November 2009, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced that early elections would be held on 18 December. They were constitutionally due by May 2010. In the previous elections, which were held in May 2005, the Prime Minister's Dominica Labour Party (DLP) won 12 of the 21 directly elected seats. Its coalition partner, the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP), failed to win parliamentary representation for the first time since its inception in 1975. The main opposition, the United Workers Party (UWP), took eight seats. An independent candidate was also elected. A record 62 candidates from five parties and five independent candidates were vying for seats in 2009. Although the DFP was running, the elections were widely seen as a two-horse race between the DLP and the UWP. The DLP was the only party fielding candidates in all 21 constituencies. The UWP and the DFP fielded 17 and 11 candidates respectively. The DLP pledged to improve the climate for foreign investment and to develop the agricultural, tourism and technology sectors so as to modernize the local economy. It further promised to renovate the country's main roads and transform the capital into "the most modern and historic city" in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).The DLP promised to pursue its efforts to establish a Caribbean Community Single Market and Economy (CSME) and to consolidate existing relations with the European Union, Canada and the United States. Prime Minister Skerrit criticized the UWP for having "no plan for the country". In response, UWP leader Ronald Green launched a manifesto entitled "United for Dominica" on 15 December. It comprised 20 pledges for "smart growth" to be achieved within 24 months. It focused on restoring economic growth by boosting export earnings and rebuilding domestic demand. The UWP also promised to develop a "green economy" by investing in renewable energy. Many UWP candidates promised to create jobs and reduce the cost of fuel for fishermen. The UWP argued that Prime Minister Skerrit's dual French-Dominican citizenship violated the Constitution. The UWP also criticized the government for not reviewing the electoral roll, which comprised 67,000 registered voters for 72,000 inhabitants. In the meantime, on 13 December, the DFP, led by Ms. Judith Pestaina, launched its manifesto. It pledged to pass a freedom of information bill that would allow citizens to find out how their taxes are spent. It also promised to introduce a national health insurance plan and proposed an EC$200 million (US$74 million) plan for agricultural diversification. Turnout was reportedly high. The polls were monitored by the Organization of American States (OAS) and CARICOM. The OAS said that the elections had been free and fair. The CARICOM declared the voting process had been conducted in an orderly, free and peaceful manner. The final results gave 18 seats to the DLP. The UWP took the three remaining seats. UWP leader Green lost to a DLP candidate by a margin of two votes. The DFP failed to win parliamentary representation for the second time in a row. Two women were elected. On 4 February 2010, the newly elected House of Assembly held its first session, which was boycotted by members of the UWP. Five appointed members (all of whom are men) were sworn in on the same day. Ms. Alix Boyd Knights was re-elected as Speaker. STATISTICS Voter turnout Round no 1 18 December 2009 Number of registered electors Voters Blank or invalid ballot papers Valid votes 67'000 Notes Distribution of votes Round no 1 Political group Candidates Votes % of votes Dominica Labor Party (DLP) United Workers' Party (UWP) Distribution of seats Round no 1 Political Group Total of seats Gain/Loss Dominica Labor Party (DLP) 18 6 United Workers' Party (UWP) 3 -5 Distribution of seats according to sex Men Women Percent of women 19 2 9.52% Distribution of seats according to age Distribution of seats according to profession Comments Source: http://electoraloffice.gov.dm/results/index.html

Parliament name House of Assembly Structure of parliament Unicameral APPOINTMENT AND TERM OF OFFICE Title Speaker of the House of Assembly Term - duration: 5 years (term of House) - reasons for interruption of the term: if he ceases to be a Member or if he becomes a member of a Cabinet or a Parliamentary Secretary (when the Speaker is elected among the Members of the House) ; if he ceases to be a Commonwealth citizen, if he is elected to be President of the Republic or if his responsability is called into question (when the Speaker is elected among persons who were not Members); death, dissolution of the House Appointment - elected by all Members of the Assembly - election is held when the House first meets after general elections or when a vacancy for the office of the Speaker arises - before the Members are sworn in Eligibility - any Member of the House can be candidate except a member of Cabinet or a Parliamentary Secretary - any person who is not a Member of the House can also be candidate Voting system - formal vote by secret ballot - one round by clear majority; in the event of a tie more rounds are held Procedures / results - the Leader of the House and the Prime Minister preside over the Assembly during the voting - the Clerk supervises the voting - the Clerk announces the results without any delay - the Clerk confirms the election - the results can be challenged STATUS Status - ranks third in the hierachy of the State - may be called upon to replace the Head of State in the event of the latter's absence - represents the Assembly with the public authorities - is member of Board and advisory bodies outside Parliament - represents the Assembly in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association - is ex officio President of the Broadcasting Committee and the Privileges Committee - in the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker can assume his/her role and functions; if they are both absent a Member of the House (not being a Member of the Cabinet or a Parliamentary Secretary) may be elected for that purpose Board Material facilities - salary: less than E.C.$ 2,000 - allowance: $1,635 - for travelling and entertainment: $ 266 FUNCTIONS Organization of parliamentary business - convenes sessions - establishes and modifies the agenda - organizes the debates and sets speaking time - examines the admissibility of bills and amendments - refers texts to a committee for study Chairing of public sittings - can open, adjourn and close sittings - ensures respect for provisions of the Constitution and Standing Orders - makes announcements concerning the Assembly - takes disciplinary measures in the event of disturbance, and lifts such measures with support of the Leader of the House - establishes the list of speakers, gives and withdraws permission to speak - authenticates the adopted texts and the records of debates - interprets the rules or other regulations governing the life of the Assembly Special powers the Cabinet Secretariat: - is responsible for establishing the Assembly's budget - recruits, assigns and promotes staff - appoints the Clerk - organizes the services of Parliament - is responsible for relations with foreign Parliaments - is responsible for safety, and in this capacity, can call the police in the event of disturbance in the Chamber Speaking and voting rights, other functions - provides guidelines for the interpretation or completion of the text under discussion - intervenes in the parliamentary oversight procedure - ensures that three readings are done before a bill becomes Act - ensures amendments are discussed in committee and included before final reading of a bill and arranges for publication in the Gazette thatsecures the assent of the President of the Republic.

This page was last updated on 8 February 2010
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