Government Politics of Dominica

Last elections: December 2014

Next elections: 2019

Head of state: President Charles Savarin (2013–)

Head of government: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit

Ruling party: Dominica Labour Party

The economy continued to dominate the political agenda. The government’s top priority in the run-up to the 2000 elections had been to secure financial backing for its new airport project – the key to expansion of the tourism industry, which was set to become crucial as, inevitably, the international banana market became more competitive.

In the January 2000 general election, the Dominica Labour Party (DLP – ten seats) narrowly defeated the United Workers Party (UWP) (nine seats). The DLP formed a coalition with the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP – two seats) and Roosevelt (Rosie) Douglas became prime minister. Following his sudden death in October 2000, he was succeeded by communications and works minister Pierre Charles.

In October 2003 Dr Nicholas Liverpool was elected president by the House of Assembly for a five-year term. In January 2004 Charles died suddenly and Roosevelt Skerrit was sworn in as prime minister.

In the general election in May 2005, the DLP took 12 seats, the UWP eight and independents one. DFP failed to win any seats and was unable to continue as coalition partner with DLP in government.

In December 2009, in an election that was called early, the DLP won 18 seats – with 61.2 per cent of the vote – and the UWP the balance of three (34.9 per cent). In early January 2010 Skerrit announced his new cabinet, in which he was Finance and Foreign Affairs Minister.

Following the resignation of President Nicholas Liverpool, the House of Assembly elected Eliud Williams as his successor on 17 September 2012.

On 30 September 2013 Charles Savarin was elected president by the House of Assembly for a five-year term.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and the DLP were returned to power in the general election on 8 December 2014, winning 15 seats. The UWP secured the remaining six elective seats.