United Progressive Party (UPP) representative Loftus Durand has urged Dominica’s opposition groups to hold substantive discussions about constituency representation, saying cooperation should extend beyond joint statements on electoral reform.
Durand welcomed the parties and individuals coming together to address voter confirmation, but said broader political coordination should already have been underway.
“It is all well and good … to come together to address matters of national interest,” he said during a press conference held recently.
However, he argued that opposition forces should have met and discussed collectively who would represent constituencies across the country.
Durand called for discussions grounded in honesty and a willingness to consider views beyond individual party interests.
“Honest—I repeat, honest—open-minded, genuine conversations should have been taking place already,” he said.
He warned that politically slanted conversations could have a numbing effect on an electorate seeking meaningful change.
His remarks introduced the question of opposition strategy juxtaposed against the primary focus on confirmation deadlines, accessibility and the administration of electoral reform.
Durand did not announce an electoral alliance, agreed slate of candidates or arrangement for sharing constituencies.
Instead, he indicated that further discussion needed to take place privately.
“That sort of elaboration, I believe firmly, should be done in a private setting behind closed doors sooner rather than later,” he said.
Durand also cited a saying about the danger of assuming that one’s own perspective was the only reality, reinforcing his appeal for open-minded engagement.
He commended the collective reform effort while suggesting that opposition groups needed to do more to meet the expectations of people looking for a credible alternative.
