Leader of the opposition United Workers Party, Ron Green. Photo credit: www.dominicanewsonline.com

ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – The main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) won its first seat in the 2009 general election after newcomer Hector John comfortably defeated his two challengers in the Salisbury constituency, according to preliminary results.

John polled 807 votes as compared to 512 for Bentley Royer of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP).

Nettisha Walsh of the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) gained only 16 votes.

The DLP has so far won two of the three seats declared, winning the Morne Jaune/Riviere and the Salybia constituencies and the preliminary figures show that it is leading in Vielle Case, Colihaut, Mahaut, Roseau Central and Portsmouth.

In the last general election, the DLP won 12 of the 21 seats at stake, while the UWP won eight and the other going to an independent candidate.