Joshua Francis, leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), has challenged Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s interpretation of the September 7 Roseau North by-election, arguing that the result should not be presented as a broad endorsement of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) Government.
In a statement responding to Skerrit’s comments following the DLP’s victory, Francis pointed to the level of voter participation in the constituency. He noted that of approximately 7,489 registered electors, about 2,595 cast ballots, putting turnout at roughly 34.6%. He pointed out that the DLP’s Ashma McDougall received 1,506 votes in the preliminary results, about one-fifth of the registered electorate.
Francis argued that the relatively low participation should be viewed as a sign of voter disengagement rather than a nationwide vote of confidence in the government.
The UPP leader acknowledged McDougall’s victory, saying his party respects the outcome of the by-election. However, he maintained that winning a single constituency should not be interpreted as a national mandate.
Francis linked his criticism to broader issues he said continue to affect Dominicans, including the cost of living, employment opportunities, conditions in communities, youth migration and accountability in government.
The UPP leader’s comments came directly in response to Skerrit’s post-election characterization of the Roseau North result. Skerrit had said the constituency had “spoken for the whole country” and argued that the result demonstrated that Dominica was “on the right track.”
Francis, meanwhile, said the election result should not be treated as a blank cheque for the administration. He called instead for greater attention to salaries and wages, job opportunities and leadership focused on improving people’s living conditions.
The UPP had endorsed United Workers Party candidate Daniel “Danny” Lugay ahead of the September 7 contest, as part of its stated effort to encourage cooperation among opposition forces.
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Read Francis’s full statement below:
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s claim that the Roseau North by-election represents a “vote of confidence” in the DLP Government is political spin. Of approximately 7,489 registered electors, only about 2,595 voted—a turnout of roughly 34.6%. The DLP received 1,506 votes, representing barely 20% of the registered electorate.
That is not a resounding endorsement. It is a warning.
Nearly two out of every three electors stayed home—a clear sign of growing apathy, frustration and declining trust in the political system.
The DLP won the seat, and the UPP respects the result. But one constituency victory cannot be inflated into a national endorsement while Dominicans continue to face a crushing cost of living, limited opportunities, struggling communities, youth migration and inadequate accountability.
Prime Minister, you won a by-election—not a blank cheque, not a national mandate and certainly not proof that Dominicans are satisfied.
The UPP rejects this political spin. Dominica deserves improvement in salaries & wages, jobs and leadership that improves people’s lives.
United in purpose. Committed to change. Putting Dominica first.
