Here is an overview of Dominica’s government structure:
Government Structure of Dominica
Dominica is a parliamentary republic within the Commonwealth of Nations. It follows a Westminster-style system of democracy.
1. Executive Branch
President (Head of State)
- The President is the ceremonial head of state.
- Elected by the House of Assembly for a 5-year term.
- Appoints the Prime Minister and other ministers.
- Current president (as of 2025): Sylvanie Burton (first female and indigenous president).
Prime Minister (Head of Government)
- The Prime Minister is the real executive power in the country.
- Appointed by the President from the party with a majority in Parliament.
- Leads the Cabinet and oversees day-to-day government operations.
- Current Prime Minister (as of 2025): Roosevelt Skerrit.
Cabinet of Ministers
- Appointed by the President on advice from the Prime Minister.
- Includes ministers responsible for key areas: finance, education, health, agriculture, etc.
2. Legislative Branch (Parliament)
House of Assembly
- Unicameral (one chamber).
- Total of 32 members:
- 21 elected representatives (by the people).
- 9 senators (appointed by the President).
- 1 Speaker of the House.
- 1 Attorney General (ex officio member).
Elections
- General elections held every 5 years.
- Universal adult suffrage (all citizens 18+ can vote).
3. Judicial Branch
- Independent from the executive and legislature.
- Based on English common law.
- Part of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court system.
- Includes a High Court and Court of Appeal.
- Final appeals can go to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which Dominica recognizes.
4. Local Government
- Village councils and municipal councils govern at the community level.
- They handle local development, sanitation, and small infrastructure.
- Encourages grassroots participation in governance.
5. Political System
- Multi-party system, but dominated in recent years by two main parties:
- Dominica Labour Party (DLP) – currently in power.
- United Workers’ Party (UWP) – main opposition.
