United Progressive Party representative Loftus Durand has urged electoral authorities to make special arrangements for disabled, elderly and homebound electors, warning that some eligible citizens may still be unable to complete Dominica's voter confirmation process before it ends.
Durand raised the concern during a recent discussion on electoral reform, saying that the confirmation exercise must not leave behind people who cannot easily travel to registration centres. He said the situation affects not only the elderly but also residents with disabilities and those confined to their homes.
The UPP representative called on the authorities responsible for the exercise to identify such voters and reach them directly, rather than waiting for them to come forward. He said a confirmation process that is meant to update the voters' list should be judged by whether it includes every eligible Dominican, including those who face the greatest difficulty in taking part.
His intervention comes as the voter confirmation exercise continues across the island. The process requires electors to verify their details, and officials have encouraged the public to use the time remaining to ensure their registration is in order.
Durand's appeal places the focus on accessibility, a longstanding concern for elderly and disabled voters in Dominica. In many rural communities and in the Kalinago Territory, transport to registration points can be difficult, and homebound residents may depend on family members or community volunteers to help them complete official procedures.
He said the authorities should consider mobile or door-to-door arrangements for those who cannot attend in person, and should work with community groups and caregivers to identify people who have not yet been reached. The aim, he said, is to avoid a situation where eligible voters lose their place on the list simply because they could not get to a centre.
The UPP has been pressing for changes to Dominica's electoral system, and Durand's comments form part of that wider discussion. Electoral reform has been a recurring subject in national debate, with parties and civil society groups raising questions about registration, identification and the participation of vulnerable groups.
Officials have not yet responded publicly to Durand's specific request. The confirmation exercise is time-bound, and the coming days will determine how many electors complete the process. Durand said he hopes the relevant authorities will act quickly, while there is still time to reach those who need assistance.
He encouraged families and neighbours to check on elderly and disabled residents and to help them confirm their registration if they are able. He also urged anyone who is unsure about their status to seek information from the proper authorities before the deadline.
For Dominica, the issue touches on a broader principle: that the voters' list should reflect the whole community, from Roseau to Portsmouth and across the parishes. Durand said no eligible citizen should be left off simply because of age, disability or distance from a registration point.
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