VICTORIA, Seychelles — The National Assembly of Seychelles yesterday voted against a proposed amendment for the re-introduction of provisions under the Public Persons Declaration of Assets, Liabilities and Business Interests Act for spouses and immediate family members of public officials to declare their assets, liabilities and business interests. The private members bill with the amendment, brought by the leader of the opposition Sebastien Pillay, received nine votes in favour from the United Seychelles (US) members, while 17 members of the ruling party Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) voted against. There was no abstention.
In his intervention, Mr Pillay highlighted that when the law was first enacted in 2008, spouses and immediate family members of public officials were obliged to declare their assets, liabilities and business interests but, sadly, that provision in the legislation was repealed in 2021 after the LDS administration came into power. “The same party who all along fought for the legislation aimed at promoting transparency and accountability within the government by ensuring that public officials disclose their financial holding,” said Mr Pillay. He said the 2021 amendment in section 13 of the legislation repealed key provisions in the 2008 legislation that safeguarded against corruption and illicit wealth.
All members of the opposition spoke in favour of the amendment. The LDS members who spoke dismissed the proposed amendment as nothing more than a smear campaign of cheap politics by the leader of the opposition, a ploy orchestrated by United Seychelles to provoke emotions to gain public sympathy in the wake of the election. The ruling party also noted that, given the US has not filed a corruption case against any public figure in government, nor any LDS politician, the party cannot give LDS a lesson on declaration of assets. Yesterday’s session marked the end of the second trimester and the assembly will resume on May 6, 2025.
