Electoral officials say they are fully prepared for a "free, fair and transparent" general election in Dominica today, even as the opposition political parties complain of various irregularities, according to a report on www.cananews.net.

Chief Elections Officer Merina Williams told the Caribbean Media Corporation on Thursday that additional staff had been brought in to ensure a smooth flow of activities and that all officers have already received the relevant material for the conduct of the poll.

"They have already gone to the various polling stations to ensure that they are in order. So I think that everything is ready for the polls this morning," Williams said.

A record number of 62 candidates, representing five political parties and six independents, have been nominated to contest the elections that are being monitored by the Organisation of American States and the Caribbean Community.

There are 67,227 registered voters and the 249 polling stations will open at 7a.m. for a 10-hour period.

Williams dismissed criticisms that the electoral office had failed to adequately educate voters.