The top cop in Dominica has called for calm as campaigning intensifies ahead of the December 18 general election, according to a report on www.cananews.net.

Police Commissioner Hobbes Jno Baptiste told reporters Wednesday that it was important for Dominicans to be united after the election process and so, needed to avoid all violent activity ahead of the poll.

"While the campaign period is relatively short, we trust that tolerance and tempers are not as short and we seek your support and enlist your contribution in having these elections proceed smoothly and as far as is practicable, incident-free," Jno Baptiste said.

The Dominica Labour Party, headed by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, is seeking its third straight term in office and is being challenged by the United Workers Party and the Dominica Freedom Party.A number of independents are also contesting the poll.

Corrupt regime charges

Both opposition parties have accused the government of being a corrupt regime, charges Skerrit has vehemently denied while calling on persons claiming to have evidence of misbehaviour in public office to take their concerns to the Integrity Commission.

Jno Baptiste said he expected that the level of excitement and exuberance among supporters of rival parties and candidates would likely increase as an intense campaign, dominated by divisive and contentious issues, enters the final stages.

He said he had spoken to all police officers in relation to their professional and impartial conduct, especially on polling day, and has also met with the political leaders who agreed to act to ensure a peaceful and trouble-free election process.