The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Secretariat hosted a hybrid CPA Post-Election Seminar for the House of Assembly of Dominica on 7 and 8 June 2023.

The hybrid CPA Post-Election Seminar sought to equip new and returning Parliamentarians with an in-depth understanding of parliamentary practice and procedure and the skills required of them in their roles as representatives. The programme covered topics including the role of Committee Systems, technological innovation in Parliaments, public outreach and engagement, media relations, engagement with civil society, equality and diversity and much more.

Opening the CPA seminar, the Speaker of the House of Assembly of Dominica, Hon. Joseph Isaac, told Members gathered in the Chamber and guests joining virtually:

“It is my hope that all of you will help in the process of building a more robust, stronger democratic nation through your leadership at the constituency and national level. Parliament is a space where we can have fruitful debate, honest debate, well-researched debate, but debate with respect and tolerance.”

Speaking via video link, the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg, highlighted the geographical diversity of experts in attendance, saying:

“Partnership is vital to our work at the CPA and critical to your work as Parliamentarians, so it is wonderful to see such a range of organisations contributing to the CPA Post-Election Seminar this week, including universities, parliamentary strengthening organisations and Commonwealth networks.”

During the hybrid seminar, Members of the Dominica House of Assembly heard from global parliamentary experts, including Dr Rick Stapenhurst from McGill University; Professor Derek O’Brien from Oxford Brookes University and Alisha Todd, Director-General of ParlAmericas, about how civil society, academic research and interparliamentary organisations can support Parliamentarians to be more effective in their role.

This was followed by a session exploring the significance of including persons with disabilities and other minority groups in parliamentary procedures to bring diverse perspectives to the Parliament. Presenters in this session included: Hon. Jeremiah Norbert, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly of St Lucia; Hon. Wilma Newhoudt-Druchen, Member of the National Assembly of South Africa; and Dr Carola Weil from the School of Continuing Studies at McGill University.

The Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security, Hon. Dr Irving McIntyre, speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister of Dominica, praised the progressiveness of the seminar programme, adding:

“Like every other institution, the Parliament must move with the times to respond appropriately to the needs of our people. The focus on technology, media relations and research is therefore quite timely to equip our Members with knowledge of our changing environment and the skills to remain relevant.”

A general election took place in Dominica on 6 December 2022. A five-member Commonwealth Observer Group, led by former Kenyan Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Amina Mohamed, were deployed across the country to observe all aspects of the election process including the pre-election environment, the opening of polling stations, the voting process and the counting of ballots. In an interim statement, the Group reported that 'the results reflect the collective will of the people who voted, and that the election of 6 December 2022 was conducted in accordance with the laws of Dominica.'

Fifteen of the twenty-one seats in the Dominica House of Assembly were contested at the election. No opposition candidates were nominated in the remaining six seats. Eleven men and ten women were elected to the House of Assembly and voter turnout was 31.6%.

In a special video message to the seminar, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC, who was born in Dominica, outlined her special connection with the country and said:

“Through your representation, though your role in crafting and improving legislation, your responsibilities in policymaking and oversight, you can have a decisive impact on the story of Dominica and the destiny of our people.”

-ENDS-

The CPA Small Branches network represents small Parliaments and Legislatures across the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to identify their particular needs and requirements in parliamentary strengthening, development and cooperation. The CPA has a long history of catering to the needs its CPA Small Branches and since 1981, the CPA has held Small Branches Conferences. Members discuss political problems and the operation of democratic systems in some of the world’s smallest jurisdictions.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association connects, develops, promotes and supports Parliamentarians and their staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and the implementation of the enduring values of the Commonwealth. The CPA is an international community of around 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance.

For media enquiries please contact communications@cpahq.org.