VICTORIA, Seychelles — Of the eleven potential candidates who paid their security deposits with the Electoral Commission of Seychelles on Tuesday August 19, only eight nominations were accepted. Chief Electoral Officer Manuella Amesbury confirmed that two independent candidates withdrew their nominations and one political party candidate was rejected during the Commission’s intensive verification of the submissions.
Speaking at the close of nomination day, Mrs Amesbury said the ECS had carried out a thorough review of all the documents provided by the candidates, in order to ensure compliance with the law and to protect the rights of the candidates and the integrity of the process. ‘This is to ensure that the rights of candidates are protected, and gives the nation trust that the ECS has done everything to ensure electoral integrity,’ she said.
The eight accepted candidates were each presented with their certificates of acceptance during the evening ceremony before the ballot paper draw was held. The full list of accepted candidates, in the order drawn at the ballot paper ceremony, is: Alain St Ange (LNS), Patrick Herminie (US), Kisna Louise (Independent), Ralph Volcère (Independent), Robert Moumou (SPNM), Charles de Clarisse (Independent), Wavel Ramkalawan (LDS) and Maarco Francis (SUM). Official campaigning for the presidential election is scheduled to begin on Thursday August 21, ahead of polling on September 25, 26 and 27.
