United Progressive Party leader Joshua Francis has rejected Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit's characterisation of the September 7 Roseau North by-election as a vote of confidence in the Dominica Labour Party, arguing that the result should not be read as a broad endorsement of the governing party.
Francis said the by-election, held to fill the seat vacated by the death of former Roseau North MP and Cabinet Minister Julius Timothy, was a local contest decided by a narrow margin and cannot be interpreted as a national referendum on the Labour Party's performance.
The UPP leader pointed to the low turnout and the specific circumstances of the constituency, noting that voters in Roseau North were choosing a replacement representative rather than passing judgement on the government as a whole. He said the Labour Party's claim of a confidence vote was an attempt to inflate the significance of a single-seat result.
According to Francis, the by-election outcome reflects a divided electorate and does not signal widespread satisfaction with the administration's handling of issues such as the economy, employment and the cost of living. He called on the government to focus on the concerns raised by residents during the campaign rather than claiming a mandate it did not receive.
The Prime Minister had earlier described the Labour Party's victory in Roseau North as a clear sign of public confidence in his leadership and the party's direction. Skerrit said the result demonstrated that voters continued to trust the Labour Party to manage the country's affairs.
Francis countered that such statements ignore the reality of a by-election, which is typically influenced by local factors and the specific candidates involved. He argued that the UPP remains the strongest alternative to the Labour Party and that the party would continue to hold the government accountable in the House of Assembly.
The Roseau North by-election was triggered by the passing of Julius Timothy, who had represented the constituency for the Labour Party. The seat was contested by candidates from the Labour Party and the UPP, among others.
Francis said the UPP would build on its showing in Roseau North and other constituencies as it prepares for the next general election. He urged supporters to remain engaged and to continue pressing for transparency and good governance.
The UPP leader also repeated his call for electoral reform, including measures to ensure that by-elections and general elections are conducted fairly and that the will of the people is accurately reflected. He said the party would pursue these issues in the coming months.
Neither the Prime Minister nor the Labour Party has issued a direct response to Francis's latest comments. The political exchange comes as Dominica continues to grapple with economic challenges and recovery efforts following recent natural disasters.
Francis said the UPP will continue to advocate for policies that benefit ordinary Dominicans, including job creation, support for small businesses and improved social services. He said the party's focus remains on the issues that matter to voters across the island.
