More than 31,000 people have now applied to confirm their voter registration or to register for the first time, Chief Elections Officer Anthea Joseph has announced, as the Voter Confirmation Exercise moves towards its deadline.
Joseph said 28,074 people have so far applied for confirmation, while a further 2,936 have applied for new registration, bringing the total to just over 31,000. The figures were released as the exercise enters its final phase.
The Voter Confirmation Exercise is a key part of Dominica's electoral preparations, requiring existing voters to confirm their details on the register. The process is intended to ensure the voters' list is accurate and up to date before any future poll.
Officials have urged eligible residents who have not yet done so to complete their confirmation or registration without delay. The deadline is approaching, and those who miss it risk not being able to vote in the next election.
The announcement comes amid wider electoral reform discussions in Dominica. The government has been pressing ahead with a programme of changes to the island's electoral system, and the confirmation exercise is one element of that work.
Joseph's figures give the clearest picture yet of participation. The 28,074 confirmation applications represent a substantial share of the existing electorate, while the 2,936 new registrations point to first-time voters joining the roll.
Residents can still apply for confirmation or new registration through the established channels. The Chief Elections Officer's office has been processing applications and has encouraged the public to act promptly.
With the deadline now close, the focus will be on whether the final tally rises further. The Electoral Office is expected to continue receiving and processing applications until the cut-off.
The exercise is being watched closely across the island, given its importance to the integrity of the voters' list. A complete and accurate register is essential for the conduct of free and fair elections.
Dominicans at home and in the diaspora have been following the process, and the figures released by Joseph provide a measure of how many have taken part so far. The final numbers will be confirmed once the deadline passes.
4
