Members of Parliament in Dominica

Members of Parliament in Dominica form the legislative branch of government, known officially as the House of Assembly. This body plays a central role in crafting laws, overseeing governance, and representing the interests of communities across the island. Dominica follows a parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster model, and Members of Parliament (MPs) are either elected by the people or appointed to serve in various legislative capacities.

Composition of the House of Assembly

The House of Assembly is unicameral and consists of up to 32 members, structured as follows:

• 21 Elected Representatives: Each elected MP represents one of Dominica’s 21 constituencies. They are chosen by popular vote in general elections, typically held every five years.
• 9 Senators: These members are appointed—five on the advice of the Prime Minister and four on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition. If no opposition leader is appointed, the President makes all nine appointments.
• 1 Ex-Officio Member: The Attorney General, by virtue of the role, sits in Parliament without the need for election or appointment.
• Speaker of the House: Elected either from within or outside the House. If chosen externally, the Speaker becomes the 32nd member.

Duties and Functions

Elected Members of Parliament carry out a range of duties that include:

Legislative Authority

MPs debate and pass laws concerning national issues, from economic policies and public health to education and environmental management. They participate in readings of bills and contribute to shaping the legal framework of the nation.

Constituency Representation

Each elected MP serves as a direct link between government and the people in their respective constituency. They present local concerns in national debates, propose constituency-specific development projects, and facilitate communication between citizens and government agencies.

Oversight and Accountability

Parliamentarians are responsible for scrutinizing government expenditure, performance, and decision-making through debate, questioning, and participation in specialized committees such as those on finance, health, or national security.

Senators’ Contributions

Senators contribute through participation in legislative sessions, often offering professional or technical insight into bills and policy. Though not directly elected, they hold equal power in debate and voting on legislation.

Current Composition and Political Balance

As of the most recent general election held on December 6, 2022, the House of Assembly comprises:

• Dominica Labour Party (DLP): 19 seats
• Independent Representatives: 2 seats

The opposition United Workers Party (UWP) did not contest the 2022 election and thus holds no parliamentary seats at this time.

The Speaker of the House, as of February 2020, is Joseph Isaac, a former Minister and current parliamentary figure who manages proceedings and ensures parliamentary rules are followed.

Legislative Process and Sessions

The legislative process involves several steps, including:

• Introduction of a bill (public or private)
• First and second readings
• Committee stage for detailed examination
• Third reading and final vote

Parliament sessions are typically open to the public, and selected proceedings are broadcasted to encourage civic participation and transparency.

Public Access and Citizen Engagement

Citizens may engage with Members of Parliament through constituency offices, town hall meetings, public petitions, and appearances at House sessions. This structure ensures that governance remains responsive and accessible to the Dominican population.