ROSEAU, Dominica — The Dominica Labour Party (DLP) has retained the Roseau North seat in the House of Assembly, with businesswoman Ashma McDougall winning the September 7 by-election.

Preliminary results released by the Dominica Electoral Office showed McDougall securing 1,506 votes, ahead of United Workers Party (UWP) candidate Daniel “Danny” Lugay, who received 983.

Lugay, a former representative for the constituency, was followed by independent candidate Sherman Boston with 50 votes.

A total of 7,489 people were eligible to vote.

McDougall will replaces Miriam Blanchard who resigned in June for medical reasons. 

Following her victory, McDougall thanked the people of Roseau North in a social media post and pledged to remain accessible to the community.

“Serving this community is the highest honour, and the best of our journey together is still ahead of us,” she said.

“My commitment to you remains simple: I will stay accessible, work hard, and be ready to serve whenever you need me.”

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit described the result as a strong endorsement of his government’s leadership and direction.

“For those who said that it was a referendum on the leadership of the country, I also say to them that the people of Roseau North have said very loudly and clearly that Dominica is on the right track,” Skerrit said.

He also accused the UWP of attempting to use money and outside support to win the constituency, saying voters rejected that approach.

“They even brought with them reinforcements. They brought big money people going house to house in Roseau North. But the people of Roseau North are very smart people,” he said.

McDougall is expected to be sworn in as a Member of Parliament at the next sitting of Parliament.