Development of the Constitution
Leading up to 1959, where the constitution was officially put into effect, the party system was created. The first political party The Dominica Labour Party was established in 1955 by Phyllis Shand Allfrey and E.C. Loblack. Sir Loblack was removed in 1957 and Ms Allfrey in 1962. Whilst the second political party – The United People Party was formed in 1957 by persons who were non-labourites. The Party System of Dominica article expounds on the role of the chief minister, ministers and the electorates.
The constitution order occurred in 1967, March 1 where the constitution became final and official. In light of the adjustments made from the revisions of the constitution, general elections had to be put in place to provide an effective law abiding nation. The first general elections were held the 7th January, 1966.
During this election, there were only 11 constituencies. The Dominica Labour Party (DLP) won, with 10 sits while the Dominica United People Party won one sit. Therefore, Hon. Edward Oliver Leblanc became chief minister (which is now known as Prime Minister) and the nine other party member became ministers of various government departments.