Alternative Peoples Party (APP)

The Alternative Peoples Party in Dominica (APP) is a minor political movement established in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Conceptually formed in late December 2019 and formally organized following a Founders’ Conclave on January 12, 2020, the organisation was founded to offer a centrist platform focused on youth involvement, gender inclusion, and civic engagement within opposition politics.

Operating under the stated principles of democracy, social justice, and political coexistence, the party was designed to challenge the dominant two-party dynamic between the ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) and the primary opposition United Workers’ Party (UWP). However, internal leadership disputes, frequent executive restructuring, and tactical disagreements regarding election participation have significantly shaped its operational trajectory.

Establishment and Institutional History

The Alternative Peoples Party was conceptualized in December 2019 following the conclusion of the December 2019 general election. Political strategist and academic Dr. Alexander “Pawol” Bruno, alongside a group of local organizers, hosted the First Founders’ Conclave in Lalay Coco on January 12, 2020. The initial gathering selected an interim executive team tasked with establishing party statutes, drafting policy documents, and launching public recruitment drives.

The party launched its official web platform and digital public campaign on May 11, 2020. In its inaugural public statements, the APP presented itself as an alternative political organization dedicated to increasing the representation of young citizens, women, and the Dominican diaspora in the national legislative process.

The initial administrative structure featured several prominent organizers:

• Tahira Blanchard: Interim President and subsequent acting Political Leader.
• Julius Corbette: Party President.
• Kendra Stephen: Interim Administrative Officer and later Chair of the Transitory Executive.
• Sherlyn Sabaroche and Sharon Vidal: Interim Executive Officers for Youth and Women Outreach.
• Dr. Alexander “Pawol” Bruno: Co-founder and Chief Political Strategist.

Ideology and Policy Framework

The Alternative Peoples Party defined its ideology as centrist and progressive-conservative, explicitly advocating for a reduction in political polarization across the island. The party’s platform centered on legislative modernizations, structural electoral changes, and expanded social welfare protections.

Electoral and Governance Reforms

• Campaign Finance Legislation: The APP advocated for statutory limits on campaign expenditures and strict disclosure mandates for both domestic and international campaign contributions to prevent financial undue influence.
• Electoral Registration Modernization: The party endorsed recommendations from regional bodies, including the Organization of American States (OAS), the Commonwealth Secretariat, and CARICOM, demanding fully re-verified voter registries and the mandatory issuance of national voter identification cards prior to general elections.
• Opposition Cooperation: In early 2021, the APP sought discussions with other opposition entities, including former leaders of the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP), to explore collaborative alliances or a unified opposition consortium.

Economic and Social Proposals

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the APP issued policy proposals requesting direct state relief for small business operators, fuel and operational subsidies for public transport providers, and increased annual state subventions for civil society organizations, such as the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities (DAPD).

Internal Reorganizations and Leadership Splits

Between 2021 and 2022, the APP experienced public organizational fracturing and leadership turnover that impacted its standing within Dominican civil society.

Resignation of Dr. Alex “Pawol” Bruno

On October 13, 2021, primary co-founder and strategist Dr. Alexander “Pawol” Bruno formally resigned from the APP. Bruno cited public disclosures regarding internal party operations and friction with executive leadership as reasons for his departure. The APP Executive, recognized by the Electoral Commission of Dominica, subsequently announced a mutual parting of ways. Bruno later formed Team Unity Dominica (TUD) in 2022.

The Transitory Executive and Factional Disputes

Following Bruno’s departure, a “Transitory Executive” chaired by Kendra Stephen was announced on October 20, 2021. On December 14, 2021, the Transitory Executive issued a public notice declaring the leadership titles of Tahira Blanchard and Julius Corbette null and void, asserting that the Transitory Executive held sole administrative authority. Despite this internal declaration, both Blanchard and Corbette continued to act as public figures for distinct factions of the movement into 2022.

Stance on the 2022 Snap General Election

When Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced a snap general election for December 6, 2022, the APP became embroiled in a dispute regarding election participation.

President Julius Corbette publicly resigned from his position in November 2022. Corbette stated that he and acting Political Leader Tahira Blanchard had verbally agreed that the party would refrain from contesting the elections until comprehensive electoral reforms were completed. However, a media statement condemned the snap election without his prior approval, leading to his resignation.

Ultimately, the APP did not field official parliamentary candidates in the December 6, 2022 general election, aligning in practice with the general election boycott observed by the United Workers’ Party and the Dominica Freedom Party.

Organizational Challenges and Legacy

The Alternative Peoples Party reflects the operational difficulties faced by third-party movements in Dominica’s traditional political environment. While the party introduced detailed policy frameworks concerning youth involvement and campaign finance reform, its influence was curtailed by several factors:

1. High Leadership Turnover: Frequent executive restructuring and publicly aired disputes hindered the establishment of a stable, long-term national organizational network.
2. Lack of Parliamentary Representation: Having never secured a seat in the House of Assembly, the party relied heavily on radio appearances, press statements, and social media outreach rather than legislative proceedings.
3. Two-Party System Dynamics: Dominant voter loyalty toward the Dominica Labour Party and the United Workers’ Party made it difficult for centrist third parties to secure consistent local financing and precinct-level infrastructure.