VICTORIA, Seychelles — Young Seychellois who turn 18 on election day will now be able to cast their vote, following the approval of the Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles (Twelfth Amendment) Bill by the National Assembly. The bill, presented by Vice-President Ahmed Afif yesterday, proposes amendments to Articles 114 and 117 of the Constitution.
The changes aim to give more young people the right to vote, by allowing them to register and vote even if they turn 18 on the date of an election. Presently, the law only allows those who turn 18 before the closure of the voters register, usually three months before the election, to vote. This has meant that young people who reach voting age after the register closes, but before or on election day, could not participate in national elections.
‘I wish to make it clear that this amendment follows consultations by the Electoral Commission of Seychelles (ECS) with all concerned parties, primarily political parties during the numerous discussions that were held, and which the political parties have agreed to,’ said Mr Afif. The amendment is being seen as an important step to ensure fairness in the electoral process and to allow all eligible Seychellois the chance to vote, especially the youth.
