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Electoral Office says its not illegal for Dominicans to return home to vote
The electoral office has issued a statement indicating that persons from the Diaspora who voted in the December 18, 2009 polls were well within the constitution of Dominica.
The Opposition has indicated that they would seek legal advice on the matter, saying that the individuals could have committed an offence.
But according to a statement by the electoral office, the Registration of Electors Act, Chap 2:03, states inter alias that a person registered pursuant to this Part shall remain registered unless and until his name is deleted from the register because – he has been absent from Dominica for a period exceeding five years.”
“The electoral commission has taken the position, consistent with that which has been taken by previous Commissions, that it is extremely difficult to conclusively, identify those persons who have been “Absent from Dominica for a period exceeding five years.” As a result no one has been removed from the electors’ list on the basis of this provision. In the circumstances, every person whose name is on the list of electors, is entitled to receive a ballot and to cast his vote for the candidate of his choice, in the December 18, 2009 General Elections,” the statement said.
“The Electoral Commission therefore wishes to assure the public that it is not an offence for registered voters residing overseas to return to Dominica to cast their votes. Electors therefore, ought not to feel intimidated by speculations and suggestions that they should or will be arrested merely as a result of having returned to Dominica to vote,” it continued.
According to the statement, the public must also be mindful of the fact that intimidation of voters is also unlawful and subject to prosecution in like manner.
“It has also been brought to the attention of the Commission that the same concerns expressed about the validity of the nomination of some of the candidates for the December 18 general elections. Section 15 of the House of Assembly (Elections) Act, sets out the procedure by which candidates may be nominated to contest elections for the House of Assembly. As far as the Electoral Commission is aware, this procedure has been followed in respect of all of the nominated candidates and the names of these candidates shall appear on the ballot paper and therefore be available for election,” the statement said further.
