VICTORIA, Seychelles — Azarel Jolinda Ernesta has been sworn in as the new Speaker of the eighth National Assembly of Seychelles, a role she embraces with ‘a lot of positivity’ and a clear vision for impartiality and service. At 41, she is notably one of the youngest individuals to hold this prestigious position, and is recognised as the first woman to serve in this role, underscoring a significant advancement for women in the country’s leadership.
Hon. Ernesta was sworn in as the Speaker of the eighth Assembly on Tuesday October 28, 2025, for her first parliamentary mandate. Her journey to the Speaker’s chair is marked by a strong foundation in law and a wealth of experience within the civil service. ‘I spent one week with the other members for an induction and onboarding session. As a former clerk, I already know how the National Assembly functions, but during the past 11 years, the secretariat of the National Assembly has greatly improved,’ she shared.
Asked how she will ensure impartiality in parliament, given that she was nominated by a political party, United Seychelles, Ms Ernesta stated that ‘in fact, there is no other way to do it right now’. She noted: ‘According to the constitution, I have to come through a political party. Impartiality, for me, is something I have lived with all my life. When I worked with the secretariat of the National Assembly, I was impartial — and I still am. There will be challenges for sure, but I always have the constitution and the Republic of Seychelles at heart.’
As the first woman to hold the position, she said it shows that women are capable of doing great things for the country. ‘It is a constitutional role, and it is extremely important that a woman now holds the position of Speaker of the National Assembly. It shows that women are capable of doing great things for this country.’
