Dominica
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Source: C: 57.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 19:02:12 GMT
BD02 The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
b. The Boundaries Commission
Comments: The Electoral Boundaries Commission reviews the number and boundaries of the constituencies into which Dominica is divided.
Source: C: 57.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 19:02:54 GMT
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 19:03:32 GMT
BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
a. Total population
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 19:05:04 GMT
BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
a. Legislature (specify chamber)
Comments: The Electoral Boundaries Commission reviews the number and boundaries of the constituencies into which Dominica is divided and submits a report. The Prime Minister lays before the House of Assembly this report for its approval, and if approved, the Prime Minister submits it to the President who shall make an order in terms of the report.
Source: C: 57.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 12:51:54 GMT
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Electoral Office
b. Full Address Cross Street Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica
c. Telephone (767) 448 2401 exts. 3135/4
d. Facsimile (767) 448 5200
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Chief Elections Officer: Rita Seraphine
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 18:48:54 GMT
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 18:49:31 GMT
EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:
f. Other
Comments: The Electoral Commission regulates its own procedure, and in the exercise of its functions is not to be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority. In the discharge of its functions the Commission is assisted by a Chief Elections Officer, who is a public officer.
Source: C: 56.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 18:50:32 GMT
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
d. A national government department
Comments: The Ministry of Finance and Planning, which manages the finances of the state in general.
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 18:52:29 GMT
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
d. A national government department
Comments: The Ministry of Finance and Planning.
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 18:53:37 GMT
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
c. For an unspecified period
Comments: The Electoral Commission is composed by a chairman appointed by the President; two members appointed by the President, with the advice from the Prime Minister and two members appointed by the President, with the advice from the leader of the opposition.
Source: C: 56.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 18:54:48 GMT
EM07 The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
d. Presidential/ Prime Minister appointment
Comments: The President appoints the chairman of the Electoral Commission, as well as the Chief Elections Officer.
Source: C: 56.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 18:56:05 GMT
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
a. estimated total: 223,940 USD
Comments: 223 940 USD (1 USD = 2.7169 EC)
Source: Elections Office. (Dec 2002)
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:15:57 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: 60, 266 registered voters.
Comments: The figure refers to the national elections of January, 2000.
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:15:57 UTC
EM10 What was the spending (in USD) per registered voter (NOT actual voters) or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters at the last general elections?
a. USD/registered voter 10.10 USD/registered voter.
b. Exchange rate used 1USD = 2.7169 EC
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 18:59:22 GMT
EM11 What are the approximate proportions (%) of total election expenditure for the last national elections devoted to the following?
k. Other *
Comments: Monies appropriated for election expenses are used exclusively for: Voter education, procurement of supplies/equipment, rental of polling stations, remuneration of election officers, transportation and utilities.
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 19:00:25 GMT
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
d. Indirectly elected by legislature
Comments: The President is the chief of state, elected for a five-year term by the parliament.
Source: C: 18.
Last updated: Mon, 09 Dec 2002 20:11:59 GMT
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
d. Leader of the party which forms the government becomes Head of Government
Comments: The Prime Minister is the chief of government and is appointed by the President. The President appoints as Prime Minister an elected member of the House supported by the majority of its members.
Source: C: 59.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 12:39:55 GMT
ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes
Comments: Elected by the House of Assembly. The President serves for a term of five years.
Source: C: 18.
Last updated: Mon, 09 Dec 2002 20:47:47 GMT
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
a. One chamber
Comments: The House of Assembly which has 32 members: the Speaker, 1 ex-officio member, 21 members elected by popular vote for a five-year term in single-seat constituencies, and nine members (9) appointed senators.
Source: C: 30.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 12:41:49 GMT
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
a. Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: The Congress is made up of the President and a House of Assembly. The House is made up of as many Representatives as the number of constituencies established for the Electoral Boundaries Commission, five senators appointed by the President with advice from the Prime Minister and four senators appointed by the President with advice from the leader of the opposition. Members serve five-year terms. Nowadays, the House of Assembly has 32 members; the Speaker, 1 ex-officio member, 21 members are elected by popular vote for a five-year term in single-seat constituencies, and nine members (9) appointed senators.
Source: C: 30, 33, 34 and 57
Last updated: 2004-07-13 18:57:50 UTC
ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
k. The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Source: C: 30.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 12:42:56 GMT
ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: Mon, 09 Dec 2002 23:29:56 GMT
ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
b. Specially delimited constituencies
Comments: The House is made up of as many Representatives as the number of constituencies established for the Electoral Boundaries Commission.
Source: C: 30, 33 and 57.
Last updated: Mon, 09 Dec 2002 23:31:16 GMT
ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
d. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: C: 30.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 12:43:52 GMT
ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Source: C: 30.
Last updated: Mon, 09 Dec 2002 23:35:38 GMT
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
e. Not applicable *
Last updated: Mon, 09 Dec 2002 23:36:46 GMT
ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
c. The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Source: C: 30.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 12:44:59 GMT
ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
e. Not applicable *
Last updated: Mon, 09 Dec 2002 23:37:58 GMT
ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
a. No minimum
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 12:45:48 GMT
ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: C: 30.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 12:46:36 GMT
ES16 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
a. No minimum
Comments: Members are elected in single seat constituencies.
Last updated: Mon, 09 Dec 2002 23:46:52 GMT
ES17 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Comments: Congress is unicameral.
Last updated: Mon, 09 Dec 2002 23:48:00 GMT
ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
Comments: Its members are elected every five years. Nevertheless, in the exercise of his powers the President can dissolve Parliament in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister. If after a dissolution of Parliament and before the holding of the general election of Representatives, the Prime Minister advises the President that, owing to the existence of a state of war or of a state of emergency in Dominica, it is necessary to recall parliament, the President summon the Parliament that has been dissolved to meet, but, unless the life of Parliament is extended, the general election of Representatives proceed and the Parliament that has been recalled if not sooner dissolved, again stand dissolved on the date appointed for the nomination of candidates in that general election. The general election of Representatives or, where provision has been made by Parliament for the election of the Senators, a general election of Senators shall be held at such time within three months after any dissolution of Parliament as the President may appoint for that election.
Source: C: 54 and 55.
Last updated: Tue, 04 Feb 2003 17:34:58 GMT
ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
e. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: C: 30.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 12:47:39 GMT
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
b. Separate legislation
Comments: Some provisions regarding the Constituency Boundaries Commission and the Electoral Commission are embodied in the Constitution. Nevertheless, specific regulations exist on administrative provisions and procedures for elections: House of Assembly (Elections) Act and Registration of Electors Act, as well as subsidiary legislation: House of Assembly (Elections) Regulations and Registration of Electors Regulations.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 19:07:49 GMT
LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
b. January 1990- December 1999
Comments: The latest version of the electoral law dates from 1951, but the most recent reforms were made in 1990.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 19:15:26 GMT
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
Comments: The electoral law regulates only the elections for the House of Assembly.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 19:17:17 GMT
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Source: Electoral Office; International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
Last updated: 2006-11-21 18:26:08 UTC
LF05 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
a. National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections
Comments: No regional or local elections are held in Dominica.
Source: Electoral Office
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 19:33:17 GMT
LF06 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
c. Not applicable
Comments: The President is elected by the parliament.
Source: C: 18.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 19:35:14 GMT
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
a. Judiciary
Comments: A petition complaining of an undue return or an undue election of a member of the House of Assembly should be submitted to the High Court within 21 days after the return of the member whose election the petition relates.
Source: EL: 65.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 19:38:58 GMT
LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
h. Not applicable
Comments: The agency which settles formal disputes is the judiciary.
Source: EL: 65.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 12:49:44 GMT
LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
a. Candidates
c. Voters
Comments: People who have the right to submit cases: the person who voted or had a right to vote at the election to which the petition relates; the person claiming to have had a right to be returned at the election; the person alleging himself to have been a candidate at the election.
Source: EL: 65.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 12:50:36 GMT
LF10 What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
c. Superior Court
Comments: The Court of Appeal
Source: EL: 65
Last updated: Sat, 14 Dec 2002 00:33:31 GMT
LF11 Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
b. Legislative Committee
Comments: Only the Parliament has the right to initiate laws in any matter. Every proposed bill and every proposed regulation or other instrument having the force of law relating to the registration of electors for the purpose of electing Representatives or to the election of Representatives and Senators shall be referred to the Election Commission and to the Chief Elections Officer at such a time as shall give them sufficient opportunity to make comments thereon before the bill is introduced in the House or, as the case may be, the regulation or instrument is made.
Source: C: 41, 49 and Elections Office.
Last updated: Sat, 14 Dec 2002 00:35:13 GMT
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:31:33 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:31:33 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:31:33 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:31:33 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:31:33 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:31:33 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
h. Not applicable
Comments: There is no free allocation of free broadcast time or free printed advertisement space to political parties.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:31:33 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:31:33 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:31:33 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:31:33 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:31:33 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:31:33 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: The electoral law does not contemplate the registration of political parties, but candidates registration.
Source: EL: 15.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 19:16:04 GMT
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: C: 30.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 12:57:18 GMT
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
j. Other
Comments: The qualifications for becoming a representative are: to be a citizen of Dominica of at least 21 years old; to have resided in Dominica for a period of twelve months immediately prior to the date of his nomination for the election or to be domiciled and resident in Dominica at that date; and to be able to speak and, unless visually or physically impaired, to read the English language with a degree of proficiency sufficient to enable him to take an active part in the proceedings of the House. The qualifications for senators are the same that for the representatives.
Source: C: 31.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 12:58:24 GMT
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: C: 30.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 12:59:12 GMT
PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
k. Not applicable
Comments: The president is elected by the House of Assembly. Nevertheless, a person is qualified to be nominated as President if he is a citizen of Dominica of forty years of age or upwards, who at the date of his nomination has been resident in Dominica for five years immediately preceding his nomination. For the purposes of residence, a person reside in Dominica if he holds an office in the service of the Government, or is employed with any intergovernmental organization or institution of the Commonwealth Caribbean or any International organization or institution of which Dominica is a member and lives outside Dominica because he is required to do so for the proper discharge of his functions.
Source: C: 20.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 13:00:47 GMT
PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
a. Current criminal incarceration
g. Holding of government office
h. Bankruptcy or Insolvency
o. Other
Comments: A person is not qualified to be Representative or Senator if he is under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state; he is a minister of religion; he is in bankrupt; he has been sentenced by any court of law of the Commonwealth or is serving a sentence of imprisonment; if he has certain government contractors and if she holds or is acting in the office of President.
Source: C: 32.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 13:02:04 GMT
PC07 What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
o. Not applicable
Comments: The president is elected by the House of Assembly. Nevertheless, a person is not qualified to be elected as President if he has already held the office of President for two terms; if he is under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state; he is a minister of religion; he is in bankrupt; he has been sentenced by any court of law of the Commonwealth or is serving a sentence of imprisonment; if he has certain government contractors; if he holds or is acting in the office of President, and if he holds any other office or emolument whether in the public service or otherwise nor engage in any other occupation for reward.
Source: C: 21 and 32.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 13:03:33 GMT
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
c. In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Source: EL: 15.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 19:27:46 GMT
PC09 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
b. Deposit requirement (specify)
Comments: Every candidate for election must be nominated in writing by not less than six registered electors of the constituency for which he seeks to be elected; must consent in writing to the nomination; every candidate shall at the time of his nomination deliver or cause to be delivered to the returning officer a statutory declaration of his qualifications made and subscribed by the candidate, every candidate at the time of his nomination deposit, or cause to be deposited with the returning officer five hundred Caribbean dollars in cash (US$ 184) which will be reimbursed if the candidate obtains at least 1/8 of the valid votes cast in the constituency.
Source: EL: 15.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 19:28:58 GMT
PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 19:30:37 GMT
PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
e. Not Applicable
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 19:32:12 GMT
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
a. No
Comments: There are no provisions in the law regarding the regulation of parties funding.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2006-11-15 12:12:29 UTC
PC13 If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
d. Not Applicable
Comments: Political parties do not receive direct/indirect public funding.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 13:05:30 GMT
PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
e. Not Applicable
Comments: Political parties do not receive indirect public funding.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 13:06:08 GMT
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
f. Not applicable
Comments: Political parties do not receive public funding.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2006-11-15 12:12:29 UTC
PC16 If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
e. Not Applicable
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 19:36:51 GMT
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
a. Yes
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 19:37:46 GMT
PC18 If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
c. As related to the election period and between elections
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 20:38:33 GMT
PC19 Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
j. Not applicable
Comments: There are no provisions in the law regarding the regulation of parties funding.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 13:08:03 GMT
Vote Counting
VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Single ballot (all registered parties listed)
d. Categorical (only one mark allowed)
o. Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official
r. Other
Comments: Ballots contain the names, addresses and occupations of the candidates alphabetically arranged in the order of their surnames and numbered accordingly to be printed exactly as they are set out in their respective nomination papers. Opposite to the name of each candidature there is a prescribed symbol. The ballot papers shall have a counterfoil and a stub, and there shall be a line of perforations between the ballot and the counterfoil and between the counterfoil and the stub. The ballot papers are numbered on the top of the stub and the counterfoil, the same number being printed or written on the stub as on the counterfoil. Each elector receives from the presiding officer a ballot paper on which such officer has previously put his initials.
Source: EL: 21 and 34.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:26:03 GMT
VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
s. Not applicable
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:26:57 GMT
VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
s. Not Applicable
Comments: The president is elected by the House of Assembly.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:27:35 GMT
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Comments: Forthwith upon the close of the poll, in the presence and in full view of the poll clerk and the candidates or their agents, and if the candidates or any of them are absent, then in the presence of such as are present, and of at least two electors if none of the candidates is represented, the presiding officer counts the number of votes.
Source: EL: 39.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:28:14 GMT
VC05 What procedures are used in the initial count?
c. Tally of voters who voted
e. Number of ballots reconciled against ballots initially received (minus spoilt and unused)
l. Counted by hand
t. Other
Source: EL: 39.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:30:10 GMT
VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
c. District level
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:31:12 GMT
VC07 At what levels are seats allocated?
b. District level
Comments: The House is made up of as many Representatives as the number of constituencies established by the Electoral Boundaries Commission.
Source: C: 30, 33, 34 and 57.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:32:12 GMT
VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
a. Physically transported
Comments: Following the counting the presiding officer transmit or deliver to the returning officer, under police escort, the ballot box; the envelope containing the key thereof; and the preliminary statement of the poll, in such manner as the Chief Elections Officer may direct.
Source: EL: 39.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:32:56 GMT
VC09 If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
a. Ballots
b. Unused and spoiled ballots
f. Certificate of result
g. Ballot boxes
Comments: ballots counted and unused, spoiled and rejected ballots are locked and sealed in the ballot boxes, before being transported to the Returning Officers.
Source: EL: 39.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:34:02 GMT
VC10 If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
c. Signatures on sealed envelopes
d. Transported in boxes sealed with numbered seals
j. Other
Comments: The envelope with the preliminary results are sealed and signed by election officials, candidates and agents. Ballot box is locked and sealed (officials, candidates and agents sign seals before they are affixed to the ballot box). The presiding officer is in the possession of the results and the ballot box until he/she hands it personally to the returning officer.
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:35:20 GMT
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
b. Always recounted
Comments: After the ballot boxes have been received by the returning officer, they are opened at the place, date and time specified for the final count of the votes, and in the presence of the candidates or their representatives. The returning officer, as soon as he has ascertained the result of the poll, forthwith publicly declares the result and announces the candidate to whom most votes have been given to be elected as the member of the constituency.
Source: EL: 41 and 43.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:36:04 GMT
VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
c. Legislative formula or regulation
Source: EL: 41 and 43.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:37:45 GMT
VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:38:15 GMT
VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?
i. Other
Comments: The returning officer makes the final count of the votes.
Source: EL: 41.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:39:15 GMT
VC15 Are preliminary results announced?
a. Yes
Comments: No provision in law regarding preliminary results. However, the Chief Elections Officer arranges for a live broadcast on the preliminary results, as this are received via telephone, from the returning officers. The media is given specific guidelines for that purpose.
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:40:01 GMT
VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
a. hours: *
Comments: As results are received from the returning officers.
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:42:08 GMT
VC17 Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
a. Yes
Comments: The returning officer as soon as he has ascertained the result of the poll, forthwith publicly declares the result and announces the candidate to whom most votes have been given to be elected as the member of the constituency. The returning officer, within seven days next following that upon which he has made the final count of or ascertained the number of votes given for each candidate, shall deliver personally or transmit by registered post to the Chief Elections Officer: the writ with his return endorsed thereon that the candidate having the majority of votes has been elected; a report of his proceedings; the recapitulation sheets; the statements of the polls; and all other documentation used for the election. The returning officer shall forward to each of the candidates a duplicate or copy of the return to the writ he made. The Chief Elections Officer receiving the return of any member elected to serve in the House of Assembly, transmits the writ with the return endorsed thereon to the President and enters the writ in the order in which he receives the return, in a book to be kept by him for such purpose and thereupon immediately gives notice in the Gazette of the name of the candidate so elected and in the order in which it was received. Then, the Chief Elections Officer as soon as practicable after each general election, causes to be printed a report giving for each polling district the number of votes polled for each candidate, the number of rejected ballots, the number of names on the lists of electors, together with any other information that he may think fit to include; and shall also, at the end of each year, cause to be printed a similar report on the by-elections held during the year.
Source: EL: 43.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:43:07 GMT
VC18 How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
b. days:
Comments: One day. The returning officer as soon as he has ascertained the result of the poll, forthwith publicly declares the result and announces the candidate to whom most votes have been given to be elected as the member for the constituency.
Source: EL: 43.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:44:11 GMT
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 19:09:44 GMT
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
a. Continuously
Comments: Every year, the Electoral Office organizes voter education programs, skits on radio and television, newspaper ads and lectures in various communities.
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 19:10:45 GMT
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
m. Not applicable
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 19:11:18 GMT
VE04 What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns
b. Media advertisement
Comments: Posters outlining ãHow to voteä are published throughout the state. Radio and television programs outlining ãVoting proceduresä, skits on both television and radio, publications in local newspapers on ãVoting proceduresä, role of election official agents, etc. These activities commence with the issuance of the writ until polling day.
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 19:12:12 GMT
Voting Operations
VO01 Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of election day supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
e. 51-60%
Comments: Data non available.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 23:24:02 GMT
VO02 Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
b. No
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 23:24:59 GMT
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Source: EL: 27.
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 23:26:01 GMT
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
a. Outside the country voting is not permitted
Last updated: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 23:58:01 GMT
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Outside the country voting is not permitted.
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 12:53:55 GMT
VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
a. No
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:01:01 GMT
VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
f. Not applicable
Comments: Electors can not vote in advance of the designated natioal election day(s).
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 12:55:29 GMT
VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
g. Not applicable
Comments: Electors can not vote in advance of the designated natioal election day(s).
Last updated: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 12:56:04 GMT
VO09 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:03:54 GMT
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 300 voters.
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:05:05 GMT
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Source: EL: 34.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:09:26 GMT
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: One presiding officer, one poll clerk and one assistant poll clerk.
b. The largest polling station: One presiding officer, one poll clerk and one assistant poll clerk.
Comments: In addition to the presiding officer and the poll clerks, the candidate and one agent for each candidate in each polling station, the constables on duty, and no others, shall be permitted to remain in the polling station during while the poll remains open; but no candidate and his agent shall be in the same polling station at the same time for more than five consecutive minutes.
Source: C: 38.
Last updated: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 00:22:09 GMT
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Source: Registration of Electors Act (REA): 5.
Last updated: Fri, 23 May 2003 08:30:31 GMT
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
b. Period of Residence
e. Other
Comments: A person is qualified to be registered as an elector for a polling district if is a citizen of the Commonwealth of Dominica; if is a Commonwealth citizen who has resided in Dominica for a period of twelve months immediately prior to the qualifying date; if is eighteen years of age or over; if he has resided in that polling district for a continuous period of at least three months immediately prior to the registration date.
Source: REA: 5.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 00:20:02 GMT
VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
a. Criminal Incarceration
d. Mental disability
h. Other
Comments: A person is disqualified from being registered as an elector if he is suffering from mental illness or mental defectiveness; if he is undergoing any sentence of imprisonment in Dominica; and if he is condemned to death by any court of the Commonwealth or if he was given a more than twelve-year sentence. Also, upon conviction for Election Officers.
Source: REA: 6 and 61.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 00:21:32 GMT
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Chief Elections Officer is the Chief Registering Officer.
Source: REA: 10.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 00:22:24 GMT
VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?
b. Voters register
Source: REA: 11.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 00:23:04 GMT
VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?
b. Annually
Comments: Every year, the Chief Registering Officer makes all additions and removals to the appropriate electoral lists and publishes November 30th the corrected annual lists as the revised annual lists of electors. The list of electors for each polling district are made up of all persons whose names appeared on the register for another polling district and who have notified the Chief Registering Officer of a change of address, and who appear to be ordinarily residing in the new polling district; whose names appeared in the register for the polling district who have effected a change of address within the polling district and have notified the Chief Registering Officer thereof; who have reached the age of eighteen years and who appear to the Chief Registering Officer to be otherwise qualified; and such lists shall include the names of all persons who will be eighteen years of age before the election day.
Source: REA: 12 and 15.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 00:30:31 GMT
VR07 What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
e. Appearance by voter at registration office
Source: REA: 8.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 00:44:21 GMT
VR08 Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
b. No
Source: REA: 5.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 00:46:25 GMT
VR09 Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of registration supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
a. Percentage: 100%
Comments: The Government Printery, in accordance with the regulations, produces all registration forms
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 00:47:39 GMT
20/05/2008 07:18
