Anthony Charles
Anthony Samora Charles is the current Leader of the Opposition of Dominica and is the elected Member of Parliament for the Marigot Constituency. His appointment marks a significant moment in Dominica’s parliamentary history, as he became the official voice of the opposition following the resignation of Jesma Paul-Victor in June 2024. Representing his constituency as an independent candidate, Charles offers a rare non-partisan presence in the House of Assembly.
Political Career and Rise to Parliament
Charles was elected to the House of Assembly during the December 2022 general elections. He stood as an independent and won the Marigot seat. His victory came amid a political landscape dominated by the Dominica Labour Party, which secured 19 of the 21 available seats. Charles and Jesma Paul-Victor were the only two successful candidates outside the ruling party.
Following Paul-Victor’s departure from the post in 2024, Anthony Charles was appointed Leader of the Opposition, thereby assuming key constitutional duties, including advising the President on appointments to the Electoral Commission, the Integrity Commission, and the Public and Police Service Commissions Secretariat.
As Leader of the Opposition, Charles has contributed to parliamentary debates, called for unity on Electoral Reform, and encouraged dialogue over confrontation, notably stating that “the real protest is at the ballot box.”
Constituency Representation: Marigot
Charles represents the Marigot Constituency on the island’s northeast coast within Saint Andrew Parish. This area includes Marigot and Melville Hall. The constituency has historically been a stronghold of opposition politics, once held by former Prime Minister Edison James and former Leader of the Opposition Lennox Linton.
As MP, Charles is focused on local development priorities including road improvement, agricultural support, youth engagement, and enhanced public services. He has voiced support for residents affected by infrastructural delays and advocated for community-led initiatives in collaboration with national development programs.
Personal Background and Public Image
While official records about Charles’s early life, family, and education are not yet widely available, his political style reflects deep-rooted community values and an independent-minded approach to representation. He is known for his pragmatic communication and low-profile demeanour, often avoiding theatrics in favour of policy-driven dialogue.
His decision to contest elections outside the mainstream party structures has drawn attention from civic groups interested in expanding nonpartisan engagement within Dominica’s electoral process.
Role in the Future of Opposition Politics
Anthony Charles stands as a symbol of continuity and change within Dominica’s opposition landscape. At a time when the dominance of a single party in Parliament has raised concerns about democratic balance, his leadership brings stability and constitutional legitimacy to the parliamentary opposition.
As debates over the Electoral Commission Bill 2024, Voter ID initiatives, and Constituency Boundaries continue, Charles is expected to play a central role in shaping the discourse, ensuring that legislative changes maintain transparency, balance, and citizen confidence.