Dominica had become independent from the United Kingdom on 3 November 1978. Louis Cools-Lartigue, who had previously served as governor-general of Dominica, served as the interim president of the country between the start of independence and the first presidential election was held.[1]
The election was held on 21 December.[2] The House of Assembly voted for the president. The nominee for the ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP), Fred Degazon, served as speaker of parliament. The candidate for the opposition Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) was John Bully, who had served as finance secretary. Degazon received 16 votes to Bully's 10.[1]
Degazon sworn in on 20 January 1979. The opposition sought legal action against Degazon's election. They argued that it was unconstitutional because Degazon had not been sworn in with 24 hours of being elected.[3]
