Opposition Parties and Independent Candidates Challenge Overseas Polling Stations Bill

VICTORIA, Seychelles — Six political parties and three independent candidates have expressed strong opposition to the announcement made by President Wavel Ramkalawan regarding the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers to introduce a Bill in the National Assembly to amend the Elections Act to permit the establishment of overseas polling stations. The objection was contained in a joint press communiqué released yesterday by the United Seychelles party, Seychelles United Movement, Laliberte Party, Seychelles National Party and other groups.

The signatories argued that the proposed amendment raises significant legal, logistical and constitutional questions, and that the Electoral Commission’s own preparatory framework should be examined before any legislative changes are tabled. They also raised concerns about the proximity of the change to the next electoral cycle and the impact on equal suffrage.

The Bill is expected to be debated in the National Assembly in the coming weeks. The opposition grouping has called for broader stakeholder consultation, including with the Electoral Commission, civil society, and the Seychellois diaspora, before any final vote is taken on the proposed amendment to the Elections Act.