Dominica: UWP’s Francis ‘will not contest next election'

Last updated: 14 December 2017, 10:58 pm

An opposition member of parliament in Dominica has announced his intention not to stand for the party at the next general election.

Joshua Francis, who represents Roseau South, thanked the United Workers Party (UWP) for his experience but described his “political journey” as “turbulent” in a letter titled Re: Resignation Letter.

His decision to remove himself from politics is to “cure some issues” and the announcement would allow the UWP to select a candidate to replace him when Dominicans next head to the polls.

His current term would be fulfilled, the MP confirmed.

“Please be guided accordingly, nonetheless, that I will complete the full term as a parliamentarian as I vowed to serve the Roseau South constituency for a full term and will not disregard the social and moral contract with my constituents,” he wrote.

There is no indication that he will serve his remaining mandate independent of the UWP.

Thomson Fontaine, who unsuccessfully contested the Grand Fond, Morne Jaune, Riviere Cyrique seat in 2014, took to Facebook to stress that Francis’ decision does not mean he has left the party.

“Joshua Francis has not resigned from the UWP[,] he has however indicated that he will not contest the next general.”

Francis, who was perviously deputy leader of the UWP, caused one of the biggest upsets of the last election with his victory over long-serving Dominica Labour Party candidate Ambrose George, who had been Roseau South MP since 2000.