This document represents a Founding Draft Constitution of the Dominica Reform Party. It is intended to guide the development of the Party during its pre-membership stage and does not constitute an active governing structure until formally activated.

Until such time as the Dominica Reform Party formally activates membership registration and internal governance structures, this Constitution shall operate only as a developmental framework and shall not constitute an active governing authority.”

Preamble

Section 1 – Founding Charter

1. We, the members of the Dominica Reform Party (DRP), in the unwavering pursuit of justice, accountability, transparency, and the genuine empowerment of the people, and with a steadfast commitment to the prosperity, dignity, and well-being of every Dominican, do hereby solemnly adopt this Constitution. Through this foundational document, we seek to unify and codify our shared vision, guiding principles, and system of governance, ensuring that our party operates with clarity, integrity, and purpose.

2. We pledge to reform the political landscape of Dominica by fostering a culture of inclusivity, fairness, and citizen-centered decision-making, where the voices, rights, and aspirations of every individual are respected and prioritized above factional interests, political expediency, or party privilege. We commit to creating a transparent and accountable political framework in which all actions are guided by the principles of honesty, service, and the public good.

3. Through this Constitution, we dedicate ourselves to promoting real democratic power for the people of Dominica, ensuring that governance is responsive, equitable, and effective, and that the nation’s resources and opportunities are harnessed for the benefit of all, not a select few. We affirm our determination to lead by example, champion reforms that strengthen institutions, safeguard freedoms, and cultivate a society in which justice, equality, and prosperity are not mere ideals, but lived realities for every citizen of our beloved country.

Transitional Founding Provision

1. The Dominica Reform Party is currently operating in a founding and development stage. During this period, formal membership registration, internal electoral processes, and full activation of constitutional structures may not yet be in effect. This Constitution serves as a guiding framework for development until such time as it is fully operationalized through the establishment of a registered membership base.

Article I – Name and Legal Status

Section 1 – The Party

1. The name of this organization shall be the Dominica Reform Party, hereinafter referred to as the DRP.

2. The DRP is a democratic political party formed under the laws of the Commonwealth of Dominica, committed to peaceful participation in national governance.

Article II – Vision and Mission

Section 1 – Vision

1. A Dominica where government serves the people, democratic power is exercised directly by citizens through Direct Democracy, and every community has equal opportunity to thrive.

Section 2 – Mission

1. The DRP is committed to the following core priorities:

(a) Citizen Power – Empower citizens through Direct Democracy and participatory governance.
(b) Ethical Government – Restore integrity, honesty and accountability in public life.
(c) Economic Opportunity – Promote economic opportunity, jobs and fair development.
(d) Fair & Inclusive Policy – Advance policies rooted in fairness, inclusion and transparency.

Article III – Core Principles

Section 1 – Values

1. The DRP is guided in all its work by the following core principles:

(a) Democracy
(b) Transparency
(c) Accountability
(d) Public Fairness
(e) Integrity

Article IV – Membership

Section 1 – Eligibility

1. Membership in the DRP shall be open to:

Section 2 – Rights of Members Twenty-One (21) Years And Older

1. Members shall have the right to:

(a) Participate fully in all Party activities, including internal votes and referendum.
(b) Seek nomination for Party offices and public electoral positions.
(c) Receive full information on Party decisions and finances.
(d) Propose policy and constitutional amendments within DRP processes.

Section 3 – Responsibilities of Members

1. Members shall:

(a) Uphold this Constitution and the ethical values of the DRP.
(b) Act with integrity, respect and accountability in all and any engagements.
(c) Support Party‑approved actions and public campaigns that align with the Party’s mission.

Article V – The National Congress

Section 1 – Authority and Role of the National Congress

1. A quorum of the National Congress shall consist of no less than fifty percent (50%) of eligible voting members unless otherwise specified in this Constitution.

(a) All Full Members of the Party in good standing.
(b) The National Congress is the supreme decision‑making body of the DRP.

2. It shall convene monthly to approve policies, strategic direction, constitutional amendments and national platforms.

3. The National Congress shall become fully operational only after the Party activates formal membership registration and internal governance structures as provided under Article VII.

Article VI – Leadership And Officers / The National Congress.

Section 1 – Leadership

1. Article VI does not take effect until activation of membership and internal elections.

2. The Party’s Leadership and Officers / The National Congress shall include:

(a) The Leader

(i) Principal spokesperson and representative of the Party.
(ii) Elected by members.
(iii) Guides overall Party direction and strategy.

(b) Leader Eligibility Requirements

A candidate for Party Leader must:

(a) Be a Full Member in good standing and is a registered member who complies with this Constitution, the Party’s Code of Ethics, and any membership obligations established by the National Congress.
(b) Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
(c) Have demonstrated active participation in Party activities.

Section 2 – Leader Responsibilities and Voting

(a) The Leader shall be the principal spokesperson and representative for the DRP.
(b) The Leader shall be elected by party members through a transparent internal election held every four years, on July 15, at the midpoint of each four-year cycle.
(c) To be eligible to vote in a Party Leader election, a member must: a. Have been a registered member of the DRP for a minimum of six (6) months prior to the election date.
(d) Be a member in good standing, including being fully up to date with all required membership fees and obligations.
(e) Have complied with this Constitution, the Party’s Code of Ethics, and all membership rules.
(f) Any waiver of voting eligibility requirements must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the National Congress.
(g) Leadership elections shall be administered by an Independent Internal Election Committee appointed by the National Congress to ensure fairness, transparency, and integrity.
(h) No individual shall interfere with, manipulate, or improperly influence the leadership election process.

Section 3 – Leadership Confidence and Recall Protection

(a) No individual or group may engage in fraudulent or coercive manipulation of membership or voting eligibility, or internal processes for the purpose of influencing a leadership recall. Any such actions shall constitute a breach of this Constitution and may result in disciplinary action, including removal from the Party.

(b) A leadership confidence or recall vote may only be initiated where there are serious and substantiated concerns, including but not limited to:

(c) A motion to initiate a leadership confidence or recall vote must:

(i) Be formally submitted in writing.
(ii) Be supported by no less than sixty percent (60%) of eligible voting members of the National Congress.

(d) Upon submission, a mandatory review period of twenty-one (21) days shall take place, during which:

(i) Evidence must be presented
(ii) The Leader shall have the right to respond
(iii) The National Congress shall review the matter in full transparency

(e) Following the review period, a final vote may be held only if quorum requirements are met, defined as:

(i) At least eighty-five percent (85%) of eligible voting members participating.

(f) A leadership recall shall only pass if approved by no less than:

(i) seventy-five percent (75%) of all votes cast.

(g) No leadership confidence or recall vote may be initiated:

(i) Within the first twenty-four (24) months of a newly appointed or elected Leader’s term
(ii) Within eighteen (18) months of a previous failed recall attempt

Section 4 – Other Officers

1. Deputy Leader – Duties (but not limited to):

(a) Assists the Party Leader.
(b) Acts in the Leader’s absence.
(c) Supports strategic initiatives.
(d) Represents the party at official functions and public events.
(e) Helps coordinate communication between party members and stakeholders.

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2. President – Duties (but not limited to):

(a) Oversees overall Party operations and administration.
(b) Presides over party meetings and ensures orderly conduct.
(c) Facilitates communication between the executive and general membership.
(d) Coordinates internal programs.
(e) Supports the Party Leader and Deputy Leader in strategic decision-making.
(f) Represents the party in official, ceremonial, or public engagements.
(g) Ensures transparency and accountability within party operations.

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3. General Secretary – Duties (but not limited to):

(a) Maintains Party records.
(b) Manages internal communications.
(c) Oversees organizational logistics and meetings.
(d) Prepares agendas, minutes, and official documentation for meetings.
(e) Coordinates correspondence between party leadership and members.
(f) Ensures proper filing and archiving of party documents.
(g) Supports the implementation of party decisions and initiatives.
(h) Assists with membership management and recruitment activities.

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4. Treasurer – Duties (but not limited to):

(a) Handles Party finances and budgeting.
(b) Manages donations and expenditures.
(c) Ensures transparency and reporting.
(d) Prepares regular financial statements for the executive and membership.
(e) Oversees proper accounting practices and compliance with legal requirements.
(f) Advises the party leadership on financial planning and resource allocation.
(g) Coordinates audits and ensures accountability of all financial transactions.
(h) Supports fundraising initiatives and financial strategy for party programs.

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5. Communications Officer / PR & Social Media Representative – Duties (but not limited to):

(a) Manages public relations, social media accounts, and messaging.
(b) Handles external communications and media relations.
(c) Promotes party campaigns, events, and announcements.
(d) Develops and implements communication strategies to engage members and the public.
(e) Monitors public perception and responds to inquiries or issues in a timely manner.
(f) Creates content for digital platforms, press releases, and newsletters.
(g) Supports party leadership with messaging for speeches, interviews, and public appearances.
(h) Tracks engagement metrics and reports on the effectiveness of communication efforts.

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6. Policy and Research Officer – Duties (but not limited to):

(a) Develops policy proposals based on research, data, and citizen input.
(b) Monitors legislation, governance trends, and best practices locally and internationally.
(c) Advises Party leadership on reforms and strategic policy decisions.
(d) Conducts research to support party initiatives and campaigns.
(e) Prepares briefs, reports, and recommendations for executive consideration.
(f) Engages with experts, stakeholders, and the community to inform policy development.
(g) Evaluates the impact of existing policies and suggests improvements.
(h) Supports public communication of party policies in collaboration with the Communications Officer.

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7. Membership and Outreach Officer – Duties (but not limited to):

(a) Recruits, engages, and retains party members.
(b) Coordinates grassroots, community, and outreach programs.
(c) Manages member relations, participation, and feedback.
(d) Organizes membership drives, events, and volunteer initiatives.
(e) Develops strategies to increase public awareness and party engagement.
(f) Maintains records of membership and participation levels.
(g) Acts as a liaison between members, the executive, and local communities.
(h) Supports other party initiatives by mobilizing members for campaigns and events.

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8. Legal and Compliance Officer – Duties (but not limited to):

(a) Ensures party actions and operations comply with national laws, regulations, and electoral requirements.
(b) Advises Party leadership on regulatory, governance, and legal matters.
(c) Oversees internal compliance, ethics, and adherence to the party constitution.
(d) Reviews contracts, agreements, and official documents for legal accuracy.
(e) Provides guidance on risk management and mitigation strategies.
(f) Investigates and addresses complaints or breaches of party rules.
(g) Supports other executives in maintaining transparency and accountability.
(h) Keeps the executive informed of changes in legislation or policy that may affect the party.

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9. Events and Campaigns Coordinator – Duties (but not limited to):

(a) Plans, organizes, and manages Party events, rallies, and campaigns.
(b) Oversees logistics, scheduling, and volunteer coordination.
(c) Develops and implements event strategies to maximize member and public engagement.
(d) Coordinates with the Communications Officer to promote events and campaigns.
(e) Ensures events comply with legal, safety, and organizational requirements.
(f) Monitors and evaluates the success of events and campaigns, reporting outcomes to the executive.
(g) Supports fundraising and community outreach through strategic event planning.
(h) Acts as a liaison between volunteers, members, and the executive during events.

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10. Youth and Student Affairs Officer – Duties (but not limited to):

(a) Represents young members and students within the Party.
(b) Develops initiatives to engage youth in politics, education, and Party activities.
(c) Organizes programs, workshops, and events targeted at youth and student participation.
(d) Acts as a liaison between youth members and the Party executive.
(e) Supports recruitment and retention of young members.
(f) Advocates for youth interests in policy discussions and Party planning.
(g) Collaborates with other officers on campaigns and outreach to young communities.
(h) Monitors trends and issues affecting youth to inform Party strategies.

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11. Women’s Affairs Officer – Duties (but not limited to):

(a) Promotes gender equality and women’s participation within the Party and society.
(b) Develops, coordinates, and oversees women-focused programs and initiatives.
(c) Advocates for the interests of women in policy discussions and Party planning.
(d) Organizes workshops, events, and campaigns to empower women members.
(e) Acts as a liaison between women members and the Party executive.
(f) Supports recruitment, retention, and engagement of women in Party activities.
(g) Monitors issues affecting women and provides recommendations for Party strategies.
(h) Collaborates with other officers on campaigns, outreach, and community programs.

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12. Cultural & Diaspora Communications Officer – Duties (but not limited to):

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13. All officers must uphold ethical duties, disclose conflicts of interest, and represent the Party’s values.

Article VII – Designated Future Leader

Section 1 – Transitional Provision

1. Notwithstanding the provisions relating to formal membership and leadership elections within this Constitution, the DRP may operate in a founding and transitional stage prior to the full activation of its membership structure.

2. During this stage, an Interim Founding Leader may be appointed to guide the development, organization, and public engagement of the Party.

3. The Interim Founding Leader may be appointed by the Founding Committee. If a Founding Committee has not yet been formally established, the Interim Founding Leader will be appointed by the original founding creators of this Constitution.

4. The Interim Founding Leader shall not be required to meet the eligibility requirements for formal membership as set out in Article IV, as this role exists outside of the Party’s formal membership and electoral framework.

5. If the Interim Founding Leader resigns, becomes unable to perform their duties, or the position otherwise becomes vacant during the founding stage, the Founding Committee or founding creators shall appoint a replacement Interim Founding Leader.

6. This role shall be temporary in nature and shall remain in effect only until such time as the Party establishes a registered membership base and conducts leadership elections in accordance with this Constitution.

7. Upon the activation of full membership and internal electoral processes, the position of Interim Founding Leader shall be subject to transition, replacement, or confirmation through the Party’s formal leadership election procedures.

Section 2 – Founding Youth Leadership and Development Role

1. During the founding and transitional stage of the Party, a Founding Youth Leader or Leader-in-Training may be appointed to support engagement, communication, and development of Party ideas.

2. A Founding Youth Leader:

(a) May initially be appointed under the age of eighteen (18) and may continue in the role during the founding stage until the activation of formal Party leadership structures.
(b) Shall not hold executive authority or decision-making power.
(c) Shall not control Party finances, governance, or official executive functions.
(d) May represent Party ideas in public forums, communications, or outreach activities when authorized by the Founding Leader or Founding Committee.

3. The purpose of this role is:

(a) To develop leadership capacity and experience.
(b) To engage youth participation in Party development.
(c) To prepare for future eligibility for formal leadership roles under this Constitution.

4. This role shall automatically transition or expire upon the activation of formal membership elections and full constitutional governance structures.

Section 3 – Founding Stage Governance Structure

1. During the founding and pre-membership stage of the Party, the DRP shall operate without a formally elected Party Leader or executive leadership structure as defined in Article VI.

2. The leadership structures, elections, and eligibility provisions outlined in Article VI shall not take effect until the formal activation of Party membership and internal democratic processes.

3. All authority during this stage shall be held temporarily by the Founding Leadership structure established under this Article, for the purpose of organizing, developing, and preparing the Party for formal membership activation.

4. The Interim Founding Leader shall function as the primary coordinating and administrative authority during this stage, until such time as membership registration and internal elections are formally established.

5. The Founding Youth Leader or Leader-in-Training shall serve in a developmental and representational capacity only and shall not be considered an executive officer of the Party.

6. No provisions relating to elections, leadership eligibility, or executive office shall apply until the formal activation of membership and internal democratic processes.

7. Upon reaching the age of twenty-one (21), and upon activation of Party membership and electoral structures, a Founding Youth Leader shall become eligible to participate in any Party leadership election conducted under Article VI.

8. All founding-stage authority shall operate in accordance with the core principles of Democracy, Transparency, Accountability, Public Fairness, and Integrity as outlined in Article III.

9. Activation of Party Membership shall occur when the Party formally opens public membership registration and establishes an official membership registry recognized by the Founding Leadership.

Article VIII – Founding Safeguards and Constitutional Stability

Section 1 – Founding Stability Period

1. In order to preserve the integrity and original mission of the DRP during its early development, the Party shall operate under a Founding Stability Period following the activation of formal membership.

2. The Founding Stability Period shall last for a minimum of six (6) years from the date membership registration is formally opened. During this period:

(a) Amendments to this Constitution shall require no less than an eighty-five percent (85%) majority vote of the National Congress.

(b) No constitutional amendment may remove the core principles outlined in any Article or the democratic framework of the Party.

(c) These provisions exist solely to protect the Party from manipulation, infiltration, or structural takeover during its formative stage.

Article IX – Policy

Section 1 – Direct Democracy

1. The DRP shall champion Direct Democracy mechanisms, including regular national referendums and citizen‑led proposals on major issues.

2. For national decisions of constitutional magnitude, the Party commits to submitting proposals to the people for approval.

Article X – Election Participation

Section 1 – Candidate Eligibility and Ethical Standards

1. Candidates for public office under the DRP must subscribe to this Constitution and the Party’s ethical standards.

2. Selection of candidates shall be conducted transparently, fairly and democratically within the DRP.

3. The Party rejects political corruption, vote‑buying, intimidation, and misuse of public resources.

Article XI – Accountability And Discipline

Section 1 – Code of Ethics and Disciplinary Framework

1. The DRP shall maintain a Code of Ethics to govern the conduct of members and officials.

2. Members found in breach of this Constitution or the Code may face disciplinary procedures, including removal.

3. Disciplinary processes shall be fair, transparent and uphold natural justice.

Article XII – Finance And Transparency

Section 1 – Financial Management and Transparency

1. Party finances shall be managed with accountability and publicly reported in accordance with laws.

2. All donations and expenditures must be transparent and compliant with national regulations.

3. Records shall be audited and available for member review.

Article XIII – Amendments

Section 1 – Constitutional Amendment Procedures

1. Amendments to this Constitution shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the National Congress.

2. Proposed amendments must be circulated to all members and voters with sufficient notice before a vote.

3. This provision shall apply only after the expiration of the Founding Stability Period defined in Article VIII.

Article XIV – Dissolution

Section 1 – Procedures for Party Dissolution

1. The Party may be dissolved only by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the National Congress.

2. Upon dissolution, assets shall be disposed of in accordance with Dominica’s laws and democratic principles.

Article XV – Adoption

Section 1 – Adoption and Effect of the Constitution

1. This Constitution is hereby adopted under the authority of the membership of the Dominica Reform Party and shall govern its affairs moving forward.

Article XVI – Branding

1. The name, logo, and identifying symbols of the Dominica Reform Party shall be protected assets of the Party and may not be used by any individual or organization without authorization of the Party leadership.