Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Dominica is divided into 21 single-member constituencies.
Source: Constitution, Section 57: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Electoral Office of Dominica, Official Website - List of Constituencies: http://electoraloffice.gov.dm/constituencies/constituency-boundaries-3 (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries e . Geographic size of district g . Other
Comments: All constituencies shall contain as nearly equal numbers of inhabitants as appears to the Constituency Boundaries Commission to be reasonably practicable but the Commission may depart from this principle to such extent as it considers expedient to take account of the following factors, that is to say:
the density of population, and in particular the need to ensure the adequate representation of sparsely populated rural areas; the means of communication; geographical features, and the boundaries of administrative areas.
Source: Constitution, Schedule 2: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Electoral Office of Dominica, Official Website - Constituency Boundaries: http://electoraloffice.gov.dm/constituencies/constituency-boundaries (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber) d . Boundary Commission
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: Constitution, Section 57(1): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
d . Indirectly elected by legislature
Comments: The President is the head of state, elected for a five-year term by the parliament.
Source: Constitution, Sections 18 - 19: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The Prime Minister is the head of government and is appointed by the President. The elected member of the House who is supported by the majority of its members remains as Prime Minister.
Source: Constitution, Section 59: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: There shall be a President of Dominica who shall be elected by the House and shall hold office for a term of five years.
Source: Constitution, Sections 18 - 28: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The Parliament is made up of the President and a House of Assembly. The House is made up of five senators appointed by the President with advice from the Prime Minister, four senators appointed by the President with advice from the leader of the opposition, an ex officio member and 21 elected members. Members serve five-year terms.
Source: Constitution, Sections 29 - 30: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: The 21 elected members of the House of Assembly are elected by simple majority from 21 single-member constituencies.
Source: Constitution, Section 33: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution 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.
Source: Dominica Elections Act No. 14 of 1951: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-elections-act-1951/view (2014).
Constitution of Dominica (1978): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Electoral Office of Dominica, Official Website - Legislation: http://electoraloffice.gov.dm/legislation-2 (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments: The electoral law regulates only the elections for the House of Assembly.
Source: Dominica Elections Act No. 14 of 1951: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-elections-act-1951/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/05
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Dominica (1978), Section 33 (2): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Registration of Electors Act No. 13 of 1974, Section 4: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-registration-of-electors-act-1974/view (2014).
Electoral Office of Dominica, Official Website - Voting Rights and Responsibilities: http://electoraloffice.gov.dm/voting-2/guidelines-for-polling-day-6 (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
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 to whose election the petition relates.
Source: Dominica Elections Act No. 14 of 1951, Section 65: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-elections-act-1951/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/05
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level c . Local level
Comments: The Electoral Office has responsibility for conducting Parliamentary and Local Government Elections. The Office is managed by the Chief Elections Officer, under the direction of the Electoral Commission.
Source: Constitution of Dominica (1978), Section 56, 38 (1): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Electoral Office of Dominica, Official Website - Responsibilities of the Commissions: http://electoraloffice.gov.dm/about-us/brief-history (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments: The Ministry of Finance and Planning, which manages the finances of the state in general.
Source: Constitution of Dominica (1978), Section 76: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Government Website - Ministry of Finance: http://dominica.gov.dm/finance (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
e . Another organ within the national government
Comments: The Director of Audit
Source: Constitution of Dominica (1978), Section 83 (2): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: A member of a Commission who has been appointed shall vacate his office either when the House first meets after the next dissolution of Parliament after his appointment [every 5 years], or if any circumstances arise that, if he were not a member of the Commission, would cause him to be disqualified for appointment as such.
Source: Constitution of Dominica (1978), Section 56 (5): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Electoral Office of Dominica, Official Website - The Constituency Boundaries and Electoral Commissions: http://electoraloffice.gov.dm/about-us/brief-history (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: The Constitution provides that in the exercise of its functions the Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or entity.
Source: Constitution of Dominica (1978), Section 56 (11): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Electoral Office of Dominica, Official Website - The Constituency Boundaries and Electoral Commissions: http://electoraloffice.gov.dm/about-us/brief-history (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: 5 members: The Electoral Commission shall consist of a chairman appointed by the President acting in his own deliberate judgment, two members appointed by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, and two members appointed by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the leader of the opposition.
Source: Constitution of Dominica (1978), Section 56 (3): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Electoral Office of Dominica, Official Website - The Constituency Boundaries and Electoral Commissions: http://electoraloffice.gov.dm/about-us/brief-history (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
e . No Information Available
Comments: The selection criteria are not specified in the law. The Constitution only states that a person shall not be qualified to be appointed as a member of a Commission if he is a member of the house of Assembly or a public officer.
Source: Constitution of Dominica (1978), Section 56 (4): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State b . Head of Government d . Opposition
Comments: The Electoral Commission shall consist of a chairman appointed by the President acting in his own deliberate judgment, two members appointed by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, and two members appointed by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the leader of the opposition.
Source: Constitution of Dominica (1978), Section 56 (3): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Electoral Office of Dominica, Official Website - The Constituency Boundaries and Electoral Commissions: http://electoraloffice.gov.dm/about-us/brief-history (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The Electoral Office of Dominica has information available on its website and conducts information campaigns after the announcement of an election.
Source: Dominica Elections Commission
http://electoraloffice.gov.dm/?page_id=10
Verified: 2014/12/16
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
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: Dominica Elections Commission
http://electoraloffice.gov.dm/?page_id=10
Verified: 2014/12/16
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
m . No information available
Comments:
Source: Dominica Elections Commission
http://electoraloffice.gov.dm/?page_id=10
Verified: 2014/12/16
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Dominica (1978), Section 33 (2): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Registration of Electors Act No. 13 of 1974, Section 5 (1): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-registration-of-electors-act-1974/view (2014).
Electoral Office of Dominica, Official Website - Who Can Register to Vote?: http://electoraloffice.gov.dm/registration-2/regulations-pertaining-to-the-registration-of-electors-5(2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence e . Other
Comments: A person is qualified to be registered as an elector for a polling district if he/she: is a citizen of the Commonwealth of Dominica or is a citizen of member states of the Commonwealth of Nations who has resided in Dominica for a period of twelve (12) months immediately before the qualifying date; and is eighteen (18) years of age or over; has resided in that polling district for a continuous period of at least three months immediately preceding the date of registration. The residence qualification does not apply to persons who have attained the age of eighteen years within the period of three months immediately preceding the date of registration.
Source: Constitution of Dominica (1978), Section 33 (2): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Registration of Electors Act No. 13 of 1974, Section 5 (1): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-registration-of-electors-act-1974/view (2014).
Electoral Office of Dominica, Official Website - Who Can Register to Vote?: http://electoraloffice.gov.dm/registration-2/regulations-pertaining-to-the-registration-of-electors-5(2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Electoral Commission shall be responsible for the registration of voters for the purpose of electing representatives and for the conduct of elections of Representatives and Senators and shall have such powers and other functions relating to such registration and elections as may be prescribed by law.
Source: Constitution Art. 38 (1): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Registration of Electors Act No. 13 of 1974, Section 10 (1): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-registration-of-electors-act-1974/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Every person who is registered as aforesaid in any constituency shall, unless he is disqualified by Parliament from voting in that constituency in any election of Representative, be entitled so to vote, in accordance with the provisions of any law in that behalf, and no other person may so vote.
Neither registration or voting is compulsory in Dominica.
Source: Constitution of Dominica, Art. 33: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DM/dominica-constitution-of-the-commonwealth-of/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/12/16
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: The electoral law does not contemplate the registration of political parties, but candidates registration.
Source: EL: 15.
Verified: 2002/12/16
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2003/01/21
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments:
Source: EL: 15.
Verified: 2002/12/16
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
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"
Verified: 2006/11/15
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
f . No information available
Comments: Political parties do not receive public funding.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Verified: 2006/11/15
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Elections Office.
Verified: 2002/12/16
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . 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.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2009/11/04
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
h . No information available
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"
Verified: 2007/01/17
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2009/10/22
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2009/10/22
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2009/10/22
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2009/10/22
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2009/10/22
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2009/10/22
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2009/10/22
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
a . Constitutional changes only
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2009/10/22
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2009/10/22
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments:
Source: EL: 22 and 27.
Verified: 2012/02/24
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: Outside the country voting is not permitted.
Source:
Verified: 2012/02/24
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: EL: 34.
Verified: 2012/02/24
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