VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Electoral Commission of Seychelles (ECS) has finalised its elections calendar, with the important dates set to be announced in due time, ECS chief executive officer Aline Amesbury told the National Assembly this week. She noted that the voters’ register will not close three months prior to elections, as was the case before, but will remain open for a longer period to allow for the maximum participation of the public in the process.
Mrs Amesbury was responding to questions from members of the Assembly on the state of preparations for the upcoming elections. She also noted the importance of the process to amend the existing laws governing elections, adding that while a bill has been presented to Cabinet, it has not yet been tabled in the Assembly. She expressed her disappointment that political parties have not been included in Cabinet-level discussions regarding the bill.
In response, Mrs Amesbury noted that the ECS is continuing its work to ensure that all legal and logistical requirements are met for the holding of free, fair, and credible elections. She called on all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society, and the media, to engage constructively in the process, and to give the commission the space to carry out its mandate independently and transparently. Further details of the calendar will be released once the legislative process is complete.
