Politics in Dominica

Politics in Dominica covers how public authority is organized and how national representatives are chosen. Dominica is a unitary parliamentary republic under the Commonwealth of Dominica Constitution Order 1978. The state system defines the roles of the President, Prime Minister, Cabinet and House of Assembly, while elections determine representation through 21 constituencies.

Tip

Use Dominica's political structure to identify who can address a public issue and whether it concerns administration, local responsibility or representation in the House of Assembly. Separate the institution responsible for carrying out a service from the elected representative responsible for political accountability.

State

The State of Dominica is a unitary parliamentary republic governed under the Commonwealth of Dominica Constitution Order 1978, which took effect on 3 November 1978. The President is head of state, while the Prime Minister and Cabinet exercise executive government and remain responsible to the House of Assembly. National ministries and departments provide most public services, while local councils and the Kalinago Council manage defined local matters under central supervision.

Elections

Elections in Dominica select representatives for the unicameral House of Assembly through 21 constituencies. Each constituency elects one Representative under a simple plurality system, while Senators are appointed or elected according to the Constitution. Eligible electors vote in person by secret paper ballot, and the candidate with the most votes wins.