ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – The main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) called off a planned motorcade on Sunday to prevent any potential conflict with supporters of the ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) – which had planned a similar event for the same day.

Both parties had initially prepared to stage major motorcades for the last weekend of campaigning ahead of Friday’s general election, which is also being contested by the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) and several independent candidates.

However, UWP media coordinator, Dave Bruney, said the decision to cancel the party’s event was “in keeping with our desire to preserve the peace during this election campaign”.

He said the party felt that was the right move to ensure the safety and security of all Dominicans.

“In these times, it is important that everyone has the right of representation and for a fair election based on the merit of the debate from each party. In this case, the United Workers Party has taken an extreme measure to ensure public safety.”

The DLP’s grand event rolled off under fairly sunny skies Sunday, with supporters gathering from various points across the island. Meantime, the UWP was due to hold a public rally in Castle Bruce, on the outskirts of the capital Sunday evening.

There has been intense campaigning ahead of the vote with opposition parties urging Dominicans to turn their backs on a “corrupt” government, while the incumbent DLP has been appealing to voters to give it another term in office based on its track record of economic development and promising to take the island to “a higher level”.

The DLP is the only party contesting all 21 seats at stake. The UWP is fielding 17 candidates, while the DFP is putting forward 11 candidates. Several other candidates representing fringe groups and as independents are the others seeking spots in Parliament.