The DLP won 17 of the 21 seats with the other four going to the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) that had ruled the island from 1995-2000.
Skerrit's party had 12 seats in the previous Parliament and one seat was held by an independent candidate. Skerrit went into Friday's election with both opposition parties accusing his government of massive corruption.
"We have come to the end of a necessary, but arduous process of electing a new administration, to manage the affairs of government for the next five years. I am grateful, but humbled, that you have once again reposed your confidence in the Dominica Labour Party,” Skerrit told jubilant supporters.
For the second consecutive general election, the DFP, which once ruled this island from 1980-1995 under the leadership of the “Caribbean Iron Lady” the late Dame Eugenia Charles, failed to win any seat.
A record number of 62 candidates representing five political parties and five independents faced the electorate of 67, 200.
Electoral officials said they were pleased with the smooth running of the polls that were monitored by observers from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of American States (OAS).
Skerrit told supporters he will celebrate the victory in the new year “when I look forward to expressing our thanks and appreciation to the voters of Dominica, in grand and traditional style."
He said, “It is my intention therefore, after consultation with the private sector, to declare a public holiday in the month of January, so that the country can truly celebrate and savor the achievement of our having conducted a peaceful and conclusive process of electing a new government,” he added.
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