Your Vote Creates Change: Direct Democracy for Dominica

What if, for the first time in our nation’s history, the people of Dominica made the big decisions, not just the politicians? What if your voice was not only heard at election time, but every 3 months on the issues that matter most?

That is the promise of Direct Democracy, and Dominica is the perfect place to make it a reality!

Direct Democracy is simple to understand, instead of only voting for politicians every five years and then waiting, hoping for them to do the right thing, the people get a say on major national decisions through the year using public referendums.

You, the people vote directly, no more backroom deals or party agendas, but openly, fairly, and together.

Big choices like changes to the constitution, major development projects, environmental protection, or national policies would be decided by YOU, the people of Dominica.

Switzerland is a world leader in Direct Democracy, where citizens regularly vote on important decisions and have a real say in how their country is run. This system has created strong trust between the government and the people, leading to stability, innovation, and prosperity. Dominica, with its close communities and engaged population, can adopt this same approach to empower every Dominican’s voice, speed up progress, and build a future that truly reflects the hopes and needs of its people. Just like Switzerland, Dominica can become a shining example in the Caribbean of how Direct Democracy drives growth and strengthens the nation.

Larger countries dream of implementing Direct Democracy, but with populations in the tens of millions, the cost to set it up, run nationwide votes, and keep the system fair is extremely high. Even though it is better for democracy, they simply can not afford to maintain it easily.

But Dominica is different.

  • Our population is small, fewer than 65,000 people.
  • Our communities are connected, people know each other, and care about each other.
  • The cost to run referendums is manageable, especially with modern technology, secure online systems, and local polling stations.
  • The benefit? Unprecedented accountability, fairness, and unity.

We have the perfect conditions to be leaders in the Caribbean, and to be one of the first nations in the world to make true, people-powered governance a reality.

  • No More Broken Promises: Politicians can not make decisions behind closed doors without public approval on major issues.
  • True Accountability: Leaders answer to the people, not to themselves or their party insiders.
  • Real Participation: You do not just vote in every election, you help shape your country every step of the way through the year.
  • Unity Over Division: When the people decide together, we rise together, regardless of party colours or political games.
  • Protecting Our Future: Whether it is land use, national resources, or education reform, Dominicans will have the final say.

Let us be honest and admit that Direct Democracy is a term this government fears. They hate it because it takes away the one thing they have clung to for decades, total control.

Direct Democracy means real power in the hands of the people, not just the politicians or party insiders. It means every major decision, the ones that shape your future, your family, and your country, is made by YOU, the people of Dominica.

And here is what they do not want you to know:

  • Direct Democracy works for EVERYONE, no matter your party, your background, or who you have supported in the past.

This is not about red, green, blue, or yellow, this is about fairness. It is about making sure you and every other Dominican has an equal voice, whether you support the government, the opposition, or no party at all.

But that’s exactly why they fear it!

They know that when the people have a direct say, there is no hiding behind party lines, no bribing for votes, no excuses. The old way of politics, where a few make all the decisions, falls apart.

That is why they will lie, distract, and try to block this from happening. But they canno’t stop an idea whose time has come, especially when it is powered by unity.

Direct Democracy is not just for one group, it is for every Dominican, every village, and every generation. The NEW Dominica Reform Party (DRP) will deliver it when you stand with us. The only question is, are you ready to take your power back?

Many Caribbean islands have experienced impressive economic growth by combining strong leadership with inclusive governance and strategic development plans. Yet, one area where Dominica can truly distinguish itself is through embracing Direct Democracy, a system where citizens have a direct voice in decision-making processes. This approach can unlock the island’s full potential and help it become one of the fastest-growing Caribbean nations.

Unlike representative democracy models common in the region, Direct Democracy empowers citizens to actively participate in creating, shaping and voting on policies, budgets, and community projects. For Dominica, with its relatively small population and close-knit communities, this system is highly feasible and would create unprecedented levels of engagement, accountability, and transparency.

By involving the people directly, Dominica can better address local needs, foster innovation, and speed up the implementation of development initiatives. This contrasts with other Caribbean islands that have experienced slower bureaucratic processes due to more centralized governance models.

For example, while Barbados has leveraged effective governance to drive growth, Dominica could leapfrog by integrating Direct Democracy tools such as referendums, participatory budgeting, and community councils. These measures encourage citizens’ ownership of the island’s future and ensure that growth strategies reflect the real priorities of the population.

In addition, Direct Democracy would strengthen social cohesion and trust in institutions, attracting more foreign investment by demonstrating a stable, transparent, and people-centred political environment. This openness can accelerate Dominica’s economic diversification and improve quality of life faster than traditional governance structures.

Ultimately, adopting Direct Democracy would be the game changer Dominica needs to become one of the fastest growing and most resilient Caribbean islands, a nation where government truly works for the people, by the people!

Team DRP