VICTORIA, Seychelles, President Wavel Ramkalawan urged lawmakers during his annual State-of-the-Nation speech yesterday to back the 11th Constitutional Amendment. The proposed amendments aim to establish fixed election dates and stem from the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa manifesto on which he was elected to power in October 2020. The President’s call marks a significant step in his government’s reform agenda.
Apart from implementing fixed election dates, the amendment seeks to eliminate presidential immunity provisions. The proposed changes have been a central part of the LDS platform since before the 2020 election. If approved by the National Assembly, the amendments would mark a substantial shift in how presidential powers are defined and exercised in the country.
The President’s address to the nation comes at a critical time as Seychelles continues to strengthen its democratic institutions. The proposed amendments have been the subject of extensive debate among legal scholars and politicians. Supporters argue that the changes will bring greater accountability to the executive branch, while critics have raised concerns about the pace of the reforms.
During his address, the President outlined the broader context for the proposed constitutional changes, linking them to the government’s commitment to good governance. He emphasised that the reforms are intended to strengthen public trust in the country’s democratic processes. The speech was attended by members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, and invited guests.
The 11th Constitutional Amendment will now be debated in detail by the National Assembly. Lawmakers are expected to examine the proposed changes carefully before bringing them to a vote. The outcome of this legislative process will shape the country’s constitutional framework for years to come, with implications for future elections and the balance of power between branches of government.
