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Hector John (L), NOrris PRevost (C) & Edison James (R) at party press conference in April
Despite earlier promises not to participate in any elections in Dominica without the introduction of electoral reform, the United Workers Party (UWP) seem set to defend its seats in Marigot and Salisbury in the event of by-elections in those constituencies.
Speaking last night at Salisbury in a public meeting that sounded more like an election campaign than the radio programme it was billed to be, the Hon. Edison James, President of the UWP and MP for Marigot told supporters that the party was “ready for by elections in Salisbury and Marigot.
“Ladies and gentlemen let them come with their by-elections; the United Workers party is ready for any by-election in Marigot and Salisbury. They can do what they want, we are not going to let them put their hands in any seat in Marigot or in Salisbury” he said.
The announcement represented a major shift in the party’s earlier position to abstain from any elections in Dominica until the electoral system had been reformed.
Following the December 2009 general elections, Ron Green, Leader of the UWP announced his party’s decision to boycott the parliament until fresh elections were called under a reformed electoral system.
While Hounourable Norris Prevost, the Roseau Central MP returned to Parliament last month James and Hector ‘Spaggs’ John, the member of Salisbury continued the boycott, went on to miss three consecutive meetings of the House and thus paving the way for by-elections to be held in Marigot and Salisbury.
Until now, the party has been very elusive and non-committed on the question of their participation in by-elections. John, though far more blunt on the issue than his colleagues has been equally vague. He told a press conference last month that” If there is a slight chance of having a by-election in Salisbury we will ensure that there will be no by –election in Salisbury without electoral reform.”
However, judging from last nights’ spirited meeting, it’s clear that the UWP is taking nothing for granted and is planning to vigorously defend Marigot and Salisbury.
“At anytime they call by-elections we will give them endless licks and we’ll confuse their dirty tricks” James said.
Notwithstanding the fact that there has been no electoral reform, James, Prevost, John and the other persons who spoke at last night’s function all seem agreed that it was now necessary to participate in the by-elections to protect Dominica’s democracy and check Prime Minister Skerrit’s ambition for a one party state.
