Chief Elections Officer in Dominica

The Chief Elections Officer of Dominica serves as the principal administrator of the nation’s electoral processes. This position is central to upholding the integrity, transparency, and efficiency of general elections, by-elections, and referenda. Appointed under the authority of the Electoral Commission, the Chief Elections Officer operates through the Electoral Office of Dominica, ensuring that the democratic machinery functions according to the provisions set out in the country’s Constitution and electoral laws.

Core Functions and Mandate

The Chief Elections Officer leads the Electoral Office of Dominica and carries out a wide range of administrative, supervisory, and regulatory responsibilities tied to the conduct of elections. Among the key functions are:

• Overseeing the National Voters Register, ensuring timely updates and the removal of ineligible entries
• Organizing and managing national and local elections and referenda, including logistics, staffing, and ballot security
• Training electoral officials and poll workers for the effective conduct of voting procedures
• Conducting voter education campaigns to promote public understanding of the voting process, rights, and responsibilities
• Monitoring compliance with electoral laws, addressing complaints, and referring infractions to the appropriate authorities
• Providing technical advice and feedback to the Electoral Commission, including proposed reforms or legal amendments

The Chief Elections Officer also collaborates with international and regional electoral bodies to share best practices, observe external elections, and maintain high professional standards in election management.

Historical Leadership: Clement “Clem” John

One of the most notable officeholders was Clement “Clem” John, who served as Chief Elections Officer from 1982 to 2000. A respected civil servant and former national cricketer, John was known for his diligence and integrity. His time in office was marked by the modernization of electoral systems and increased public trust in the process. He contributed significantly to voter education and electoral reform and represented Dominica as an election observer for the Organization of American States (OAS) and CARICOM.

Clement John was recognized with the Sisserou Award of Honour in 2002 for his contributions to national service and was later inducted into the Dominica Cricket Hall of Fame in 2010.

Current Status and Contact

As of the most recent records, the name of the current Chief Elections Officer has not been confirmed in publicly available sources. The Electoral Office of Dominica, located in Roseau, remains the principal point of contact for election-related queries and updates. Citizens seeking information on voter registration, polling stations, or electoral schedules may visit the office or access its official website.

The role continues to be vital to Dominica’s democracy, especially in the context of new legislative proposals such as the Registration of Electors Bill 2024, and ongoing efforts to digitize voter systems and strengthen public confidence.