Dominica

Electoral political system

Statistical Profile Back to cover Back to the list of Countries

Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
Level within governmental hierarchy of national Machineries for the Advancement of Women

Dominica

Political and administrative structure

An independent nation and member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is a unitary constitutional parliamentary republic. The Head of State is the President, appointed by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, and elected by the House of Assembly. The Head of Government is the Prime Minister, designated by the President.

Dominica is divided into ten parishes.

National parliament

The House of Assembly is a unicameral body with 32 seats. Of these, 21 are representatives elected directly by universal suffrage in single-member constituencies. Nine members are senators appointed by the President: five on the advice of the Prime Minister, four on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition, plus two ex officio members—the Speaker of the House and the Attorney General.

Municipal government

There are five types of councils: (i) Roseau City Council (capital): 13 seats, 8 elected directly by residents and 5 appointed; the council chair is designated as Mayor; (ii) Portsmouth Local Council: same configuration as Roseau City Council; (iii) Canefield Urban Council: 8 seats, with 5 elected by residents and 3 appointed by the Ministry responsible for local governments; (iv) Village Councils: same configuration as Canefield Urban Council; and (v) Carib Council: administers the territory of the indigenous Carib people.

Duration of terms

Presidency: five years; House of Assembly and Carib Council: five years; Roseau City Council, Portsmouth Town Council, Canefield Urban Council, and Village Councils: three years.