The United Workers Party (UWP) has officially selected former Parliamentary Representative Danny Lugay as its candidate for the upcoming Roseau North by-election, setting up what is expected to be a closely watched political contest in one of Dominica’s most prominent constituencies.
The announcement was made by UWP Leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine, who confirmed that the party’s leadership met this week and unanimously endorsed Lugay to contest the seat left vacant following the resignation of former Parliamentary Representative Miriam Blanchard.
Lugay is no stranger to electoral politics in Roseau North. He successfully contested the constituency in the 2019 General Election, defeating then Dominica Labour Party candidate Joseph Isaac by a margin of 2,134 votes to 1,638. However, neither Lugay nor the UWP participated in the 2022 General Election, making the upcoming contest his first return to the ballot since that time.
The vacancy arose after Blanchard announced her resignation on health grounds, ending her tenure as parliamentary representative and triggering the constitutional requirement for a by-election unless Parliament is dissolved beforehand.
Dr. Fontaine described the selection of Lugay as part of the party’s broader strategy to remain prepared for any electoral contest. While he did not provide specific campaign details, he indicated that the party believes Lugay possesses the experience and constituency knowledge necessary to mount a competitive challenge.
The announcement comes just days after the Dominica Labour Party ratified businesswoman, educator and former National Youth Council President Ashma McDougall as its candidate for the constituency. Her selection by the governing party has already generated significant public discussion, and the confirmation of Lugay now completes the emergence of the two major contenders expected to dominate the campaign.
Political attention is now increasingly focused on Roseau North as parties begin organising their campaign activities. With a by-election constitutionally due within 90 days of the vacancy, both parties are expected to intensify their outreach efforts as residents prepare to choose a new parliamentary representative for the constituency.
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