VICTORIA, Seychelles — The first sitting of the eighth National Assembly was held on Tuesday at the Assembly’s precinct in Ile du Port, after being summoned by the President of the Republic, Dr Patrick Herminie. The event marked the beginning of a new parliamentary term following the recent general elections. The inaugural sitting was presided over by the outgoing Speaker, Hon. Roger Mancienne, who also oversaw the swearing-in ceremony of all newly elected members of the National Assembly (MNAs).
This formal process signifies the official commencement of duties for the eighth cohort, as members pledged their allegiance to the Republic and committed to upholding the Constitution. Members of the Assembly now represent constituencies across Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and the inner islands, elected under the new political configuration following the September 25-27 elections.
The first business of the new Assembly included the election of the Speaker. Hon. Azarel Jolinda Ernesta was sworn in as the Speaker of the eighth Assembly on Tuesday October 28, 2025, for her first parliamentary mandate. She is notably one of the youngest individuals at 41 years old 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.
Speaker Ernesta brings 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. She added that impartiality, for her, is something she has lived with all her life.
