For too long, our government has stood on platforms and promised the Dominican people living abroad that their voices would one day be heard at the ballot box. They have made speeches, formed committees, and held talks, yet year after year, nothing has changed. Our brothers and sisters overseas continue to be sidelined, even as they contribute to this nation in countless ways.
The NEW Dominica Reform Party (DRP) says: Enough with the empty promises. It is time for action!
We will lead the charge to modernize Dominica’s democracy by changing our laws to give Dominicans in the diaspora the right to vote in national elections because your love for this country does not end when you step onto a plane.
Why Diaspora Voting Is Critical for Dominica’s Future
Dominica’s greatest resource has always been its people, both those at home and those abroad. Our diaspora communities, spread across the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and beyond, play an essential role in the life of this nation:
- They send millions of dollars in remittances every year, supporting families, building homes, paying for education, and fueling local businesses.
- They invest in our economy, often returning to Dominica to start businesses, support development projects, and create jobs.
- They act as ambassadors, promoting Dominica’s culture, tourism, and global reputation in every corner of the world.
- They return home to retire, to build, to contribute, and to pass on their skills and knowledge to the next generation.
Despite this, they remain locked out of the most fundamental part of building the nation, the right to vote. This outdated system silences hundreds of thousands of Dominicans who still have a stake in our future.
It is unjust, undemocratic, and harmful to our development. No modern democracy can afford to exclude its global citizens, especially when they are such a vital part of the country’s social and economic fabric.
Our Plan for Diaspora Voting Reform
The NEW Dominica Reform Party (DRP) commits to introducing legislation within the first year of taking office that will:
- Amend the electoral laws to guarantee the right to vote for Dominicans living abroad, based on clear eligibility criteria.
- Develop secure, transparent systems for diaspora voting, utilizing embassies, consulates, secure online platforms and mail-in ballots, ensuring accessibility without compromising election integrity.
- Create a reliable voter registration process for Dominicans abroad, allowing proper verification and accountability.
- Engage with global Dominican communities, ensuring their input helps shape a system that works for them and Dominica.
- Safeguard the fairness of elections, with strict protections against fraud, abuse, or manipulation.
The Benefits for Dominica
This is more than just a legal change, it is a catalyst for progress:
- Greater inclusion strengthens our democracy: When more voices are heard, our nation makes better, fairer decisions.
- Stronger ties with our diaspora: Giving them a real say deepens their connection to Dominica and encourages further investment.
- Harnessing global experience: Our people abroad bring skills, ideas, and perspectives that can help solve local challenges.
- Building national unity: No matter where you live, Dominica is home, and every Dominican should feel included in shaping its future.
A Warning to Our Diaspora Brothers and Sisters
We must be real with you — the current government has heard your demands for decades but refused to act. And now, with true reform on the horizon, they will try every trick in the book to hold onto power.
We expect them to call a snap election, quickly and without warning, hoping to catch the diaspora off guard, preventing you from returning home in time to vote, support this movement, or demand your rightful say.
That is why we are urging all Dominicans abroad: start saving now for your ticket home. Be ready!
Do not let the same old system silence you again. If they call a snap election, let us show them that Dominicans abroad are watching, organized, and ready to stand up for real change.
The Time is Now
Dominica cannot afford to keep ignoring their global family. Other nations across the Caribbean and the world have recognized the importance of diaspora participation. It is time we do the same.The NEW Dominica Reform Party (DRP) will make diaspora voting a reality because a stronger, more inclusive democracy benefits all of us. Whether you live in Roseau, Portsmouth, New York, London, or Guadeloupe, your voice matters. Your vote matters. Your future is here.
Together, we can build a Dominica that includes everyone, no matter where life has taken them.
Team DRP