Gregor Nassief has once again issued an open letter—this time directing twenty detailed questions to the Chairman of the Electoral Commission and the Chief Elections Officer.
At first glance, the document appears to be a legal analysis. In reality, it raises an important question of its own: why now?
No reasonable person would object to transparency. Public institutions should be accountable, and where questions arise, they deserve answers. However, there is a significant difference between seeking clarification and attempting to shape a political narrative through a public relations campaign.
The Process Has Been Public
For more than a year, Dominicans have been aware of the voter confirmation and registration exercise.
The Electoral Commission has established registration centres throughout the country. The locations have been publicized. The requirements have been explained repeatedly through the media and public announcements. Citizens have been given a lengthy confirmation period—twelve months—to confirm or update their registration.
No one can credibly claim that the process has been hidden from the public.
The responsibility to register ultimately rests with every eligible voter.
Participation Is a Personal Choice
If some citizens have chosen not to confirm their registration, that is a matter of personal responsibility.
Political parties also have a responsibility to mobilize their supporters, educate them about the process, and encourage them to participate.
It would be unfair to shift responsibility for political inactivity onto the Electoral Commission.
Democracy works only when citizens choose to participate.
The Commission Must Be Allowed to Do Its Work
Many of Mr. Nassief's questions concern operational matters such as voter identification cards, residency investigations, publication of lists, and procedures for future elections.
Those are legitimate administrative matters.
The Commission should address them in accordance with the law and within its own timetable.
However, it should also be free to carry out its statutory responsibilities without being subjected to continuous political pressure from any individual or political interest.
An independent Commission means exactly that—its work should not be dictated by either the Government or the Opposition.
Even if you Stutter Q Questions Are Not Evidence
Throughout his letter, Mr. Nassief frames numerous concerns as questions.
There is nothing improper about asking questions.
However, asking twenty questions should not be mistaken for proving twenty failures.
Until evidence demonstrates that the Commission has acted unlawfully, incompetently, or unfairly, allegations remain allegations.
Public confidence should be built on verified facts, not assumptions.
The Timing Matters
The timing of this latest letter cannot be ignored.
As the voter confirmation exercise progresses, political parties are becoming increasingly aware that the next general election will be fought on a new electoral register.
That naturally creates political pressure.
Rather than encouraging supporters to complete the confirmation process, some voices appear increasingly focused on questioning the process itself.
Dominicans should ask themselves whether these repeated calls for a "reset" are motivated primarily by concerns about electoral administration, or by concerns about electoral prospects.
Let the Process Continue
Electoral reform was introduced to strengthen confidence in the democratic process.
The focus now should be on ensuring that every eligible Dominican confirms their registration before the statutory deadline.
Political parties should spend less time questioning the process and more time encouraging participation.
The Electoral Commission should continue carrying out its legal mandate.
And when the people vote, it should be the voters—not speculation, political narratives, or public relations campaigns—that decide the future of Dominica.
The Bottom Line
Democracy is strengthened by participation, transparency, and respect for institutions.
Every eligible citizen has been given the opportunity to confirm their registration.
Every political party has had the opportunity to mobilize its supporters.
The responsibility now lies with the people—not with endless calls to restart a process that is already underway.
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