VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Electoral Commission has confirmed that it will not be able to establish any voting stations overseas to allow for registered Seychellois living abroad to vote in the National Assembly and Presidential elections scheduled for September 18, 19 and 20, 2025. The announcement was made by chief electoral officer Manuella Amesbury during a press conference held yesterday afternoon at the commission’s headquarters, Mont Fleuri, in the presence of the chief registration officer.
‘The conclusion of the analysis is that for the 2025 elections, which will be on September 18, 19 and 20, 2025, the commission will not be able to establish overseas voting stations for Seychellois residing overseas,’ Mrs Amesbury said. The decision has been a long-standing concern for the Seychellois diaspora, who have in the past called on the commission to find ways to enable them to exercise their democratic right from abroad.
The chief electoral officer said the commission will continue to engage with the diaspora and explore options for future elections, but noted that the logistical, financial, and legal constraints make it impractical to set up overseas voting stations in time for the 2025 polls. The commission has urged all eligible voters to register on the electoral roll and to cast their votes at home in September. The announcement comes as preparations for the 2025 elections gather pace, with the commission having already set out a timetable for voter registration, candidate nominations, and the deployment of polling stations across the three main islands.
