Dominica can learn from the spectacular failure of a once popular leader Evo Morales in Bolivia. Evo was elected with popular vote in 2004. Bolivia’s economy did well under his regime. He even managed to create jobs for people in Bolivia.
After two terms in 2012, he changed the country’s constitution to allow him to run for a third term. In 2019, he changed the constitution again to allow him to run for fourth term. This time, people rioted and were willing to fight to remove him.
Last Sunday, he was forced to regain and today he and his vice president are applying for a political asylum in Mexico. Two terms is bad, three terms is arrogance but four term is fraud and dictatorship.
Similarly, Dominicans could be ushering a full pledged dictatorship should this Election be allowed under the current conditions. The incumbent constantly moving the goal post and despite the Joint mission report cautioning against Treating and Bribery, the DLP Campaign Budget makes provisions for transporting voters to influence the Election outcome.
Dominica is at a pivotal juncture in its political history. This incumbent ignoring previous recommendations and guidelines for Electoral Reform by the OAS has shown total disdain for such proposals. Constantly pushes the envelope and seems to snub the US posing a clear and present danger to the region and beyond with the issuance of diplomatic passports to unsavoury characters.
Dominicans must consider these factors going into the 2019 Elections
The approved budget for Campaign 2018/19 is as follows:
1. Retention and payment of monthly professional fees to team of
Campaign Strategists and Consultants – US$1,500 000
2. Resignation/Retirement and Compensatory Packages to retiring and
aspiring candidates US$6,350,000.00
3. Research and Production of Party-In-Government Performance
Document – US$2000 000
4. Stipends to 80 full time Canvassers over a twelve-month period-
US$2,500,000.00
5. Mobilization of and air transportation for approximately 1,000 overseas
voters, whose participation is vital to our success, from such countries
as USA, Canada, Great Britain, US and British Virgin Islands, Cuba,
Venezuela, Barbados, Trinidad and Eastern Caribbean islands –
US$2.10 million.
6. Design, Production, purchase and shipment of campaign
paraphernalia, including T-Shirts, billboards, posters, brochures, caps,
hats, noise makers, manifestoes, stage management, lighting,
pyrotechnics and other advertising and promotional aides – US$4.3
million
7. Ground Transportation for mobilizing and transporting supporters to
and from mass national events – which is critical to building and reflecting momentum – US$600,000.00
What’s next for Bolivia?
In the space of three weeks Bolivia has gone from having one of the longest-serving presidents in the region to having a little-known senator as interim leader.