General elections were held in Dominica on 28 May 1990 for the 21 elected seats in the House of Assembly using a first-past-the-post system.

Electoral System

The unicameral Parliament of Dominica, the House of Assembly, is composed of 21 elected Representatives, in single-member constituencies through a first-past-the-post system. Of the remaining eleven members, nine are appointed by the President (five on the advice of the Prime Minister and four on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition); and two - the Speaker and the Attorney General - are ex-officio. The normal duration of the legislature is five years.

Political Parties & Candidates

Four political parties presented candidates for the election. The ruling Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) of Prime Minister Eugenia Charles presented a full slate of 21 candidates, while the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) led by Michael Douglas, and the United Workers Party (UWP) led by Norris Provost each presented 17 candidates.  The Dominica Progressive Party (DPP) was the fourth party contesting the election.

Election Campaign

In the campaign for the 1990 general elections, the ruling Dominica Freedom Party (DFP), led by Prime Minister Mary Eugenia Charles, stressed the economic achievements of its administration (especially lower taxes and inflation) as well as advances in road construction and hydroelectric infrastructures.  The opposition, among other things, criticized the conservative Prime Minister’s authoritarian style. 

Results

On polling day, the DFP was returned to office in a surprisingly close outcome, losing six Representatives’ seats but retaining 11 of the 21 at stake.  The newly formed United Workers’ Party (UWP) came in second with six seats. 

Voter Turnout

Voter turnout was 66.64%.

Post-Election

Charles was sworn in for third consecutive term as Prime Minister.  In early June, the composition of the altered, 11-member Cabinet was announced.