Dominica 

People Foil Blatant U.S. Interference in General Election Using Organization of American States

In a statement which many would consider cynical the United States' Department of State congratulated the island of Dominica in the Caribbean on the results of that country's December 6 general election which sees Roosevelt Skerrit continue as Prime Minister of a Dominica Labour Party government.

A media release dated December 9 stated the intention of the United States government to "continue to work with the Skerrit Administration to promote regional security, economic prosperity, electoral reform that ensures free and fair and transparent elections and the right of citizens to peacefully exercise their civic duty." The statement also thanked the Organization of American States (OAS), the Commonwealth and the CARICOM Electoral Observer Missions for their work in ensuring transparency in the democratic process.

Following unsuccessful legal attempts to postpone the election while at the same time fielding candidates in each constituency, the opposition United Workers Party (UWP), led by Lennox Linton, won three of the 21 seats in the House of Assembly and Senate, with the Dominica Labour Party winning the remaining 18. All three Electoral Observer Missions endorsed the validity of the elections, identifying no major problems with the process.

The island of 75,000 people has witnessed violence and tension over the last few weeks as the Opposition UWP, alongside civil society groups, which many believe are inspired, advised and organized by the OAS, questioned the validity of the electoral process. They announced in advance their intention to reject the results of the general election, and criticized the government, including commenting to the effect that the Prime Minister would experience a fate similar to that of Bolivia's Evo Morales. The spokesperson added that the UWP would gladly accept the help of the OAS to achieve its goal. The tension evolved into violence and disturbances prior to the December 6 elections, considered to have been provoked by Linton's inflammatory words and the incitement of his supporters during demonstrations to voice these sentiments.

In advance of the elections, in an appeal to CARICOM, individual Caribbean governments, political parties, religious and social organizations and individuals the Caribbean Anti-Imperialist Network commented that the statements attributed to the Opposition present a danger to peace in Dominica and to the safety and security of Dominicans, adding that if those who have outlined such aims are allowed to continue, there is a serious danger of bloodshed and loss of life in Dominica.

Alluding to the activities of the OAS in Dominica and highlighting its history in undermining democratic governance in the region -- organizing coups, backing racist forces and acting as an instrument for U.S.-organized regime-change schemes -- the statement condemned the destructive interference of that organization, which has been making brazen demands of Dominica with regard to its election.

Speaking after the elections, Prime Minister Skerrit said that "the elections are over now. The UWP failed to delay them, they failed to cause chaos in our society and they have failed in the ballot boxes." In speaking of the Opposition, Prime Minister Skerrit said, "I call to the UWP and its supporters to hold their conduct and behaviour of the last few weeks, concede the election and work for peace" and reiterated his call to "give this country full assurance that the Dominica Labour Party is fully committed to building peace and unity."

The Prime Minister also said that the government will continue to build a country with determination and respect for its people, working for policies that strengthen mainly housing, education and health projects.

In contrast, the leader of the Opposition has since reiterated his party's rejection of the election results, defining them as electoral fraud, demanding new elections, rebutting the findings of the Electoral Observer Missions and calling on the country to rise up. To this end, Linton called his supporters to the capital city Roseau, for what he dubbed a thank you meeting on December 12.

Now that the dust has settled, Dominica can continue to rebuild after the effects of the 2017 hurricane, deal with the inflammatory situation incited by the OAS and other forces, and attempt to solve their day-to-day problems in an atmosphere of calm. It is clear though that the OAS caravan of destabilization will remain there and probably continue its tour throughout the region.

Given this continued tension, vigilance is important, as is summing up the recent experiences of Cuba, Jamaica, Grenada, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Caribbean sovereignty is the most important thing, especially giving it real substance through empowerment of the peoples. That will be the starting point of the defence.

Voting in the December 6 election.

(With files from TML correspondent and Caribbean Anti-Imperialist Network. Photos: TeleSUR, Barricada)

This article was published in

Volume 49 Number 31 - December 14, 2019

Article Link:
Dominica : People Foil Blatant U.S. Interference in General Election Using Organization of American States

    

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