Official launch of the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to the 2015 presidential elections |30 November 2015

‘Seychelles’ political and security environment conducive for polls’

 The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) here to observe the 2015 presidential election in Seychelles have said they are convinced that the prevailing political and security environment is conducive to holding peaceful elections in Seychelles.

They added that the Electoral Commission has undertaken the necessary provisions and preparations for the election.
 
Their conclusion is based on the SADCE Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC) Goodwill Mission pre-deployment assessment, undertaken from November 11 to 14, 2015 which had as objective to assess the level of readiness and preparedness of Seychelles to hold the election.

The mission also expressed its high confidence that the previous deployment will greatly contribute to enhance the credibility of the overall electoral process.
This was revealed by Patricio José, deputy Minister for Defence of the Republic of Mozambique and head of the SADC’ SEOM at Avani Hotel & Resort, Barbarons on Friday when officially launching the group’s official mission to the local presidential election.

The mission is here at the invitation of the Electoral Commission of Seychelles, as provided for in the SADC Treaty: the SADC Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.

The launch was held in the presence of the chairman of the Electoral Commission of Seychelles Hendrick Gappy, leaders and representatives of political parties, heads of international electoral observer missions, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to Seychelles, members of the SADC Advisory Council, local election observers, religious leaders and members of the civil society, the media and other distinguished guests.

“The holding of this election is testimony to the Republic of Seychelles’ continued demonstration of maturity in observing and practicing principles of democratic governance. Furthermore, the people of the Seychelles are highly tolerant to diversity. We are confident that because of this virtue, which they hold in such high esteem, this election will be successful,” said Mr José.

But Mr José also remarked the outcome of this election lies in the hands of the people of Seychelles. The manner in which they conduct themselves will determine the outcome of this election.

“We strongly appeal to all political stakeholders to strictly adhere to all relevant legislations governing the elections in the Seychelles, which are provided in the country’s laws and statutes,” he said.

He commended stakeholders involved for their efforts in putting in place an enabling environment for holding this presidential election, and that the election administration body has demonstrated high level of commitment and professionalism by taking the necessary measures to ensure that the standards for conducting democratic elections as outlined in the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections are met.

Speaking on the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, adopted in 2015 and which are expected to strengthen electoral integrity and credibility by providing a basis for comprehensive and impartial observation of electoral processes in member states, Mr Jorge Cardoso, director of the organ on politics, defence and security affairs at the SADC secretariat, said the Republic of Seychelles is the second to conduct elections under these guidelines after the United Republic of Tanzania.

He described it as an important aspect in the history of our region in its quest to strengthening and consolidating democracy, noting that SADC will use the election observation as a test to the success of the revised principles and guidelines.

“We call on all stakeholders in this presidential election to ensure that it is peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible, and that the electoral process adheres to democratic values and principles,” said Mr Cardoso.