The Constitution calls for elections at least every 5 years. The Dominica Police is the only security force. It is controlled by and responsive to the democratically elected Government. Dominica's primarily agrarian economy depends on earnings from banana exports. The Government is attempting to develop the tourist industry, to diversify agricultural production, and to promote exports of raw fruits, vegetables, and coconut products, both within and outside the region.
Human rights are generally well respected.
The principal human rights problems continued to be societal violence against women and children, and occasional instances of use of excessive force by police. There were no reports of political or other extrajudicial killings. There were no reports of politically motivated disappearances. The Constitution prohibits such practices. There were, however, two reports of police brutality during the year.