State-of-the-nation address ‘Fulfilling an important part of the Constitution of the Third Republic’ |05 March 2018

The National Assembly is bracing itself for President Danny Faure’s State-of-the-nation address tomorrow.

The address is delivered in the National Assembly in front of the representatives of the people and is broadcast live on television and radio.

Since the first time it was pronounced by former President France Albert Rene in 1994, the State-of-the-nation address has provided a window through which the people can take part in state occasions.

The uniqueness of this event lies in the fact that it is the most important event on the calendar of the National Assembly, not only because it signifies the beginning of a new working year and the official opening of parliament, but also because it is the only special session of the National Assembly whereby the President of the Republic comes to the National Assembly to address the people of Seychelles as the Head of State and not as the Head of Government.

The message of the President on the State of the nation has become so embedded in our legislative tradition that most people tend to forget that its delivery fulfils an important part of the Constitution of the Third Republic. Article 65 of the Constitution clearly accentuates this point by stating that the President shall, at the beginning of each year, and before dissolution of the National Assembly, deliver to the Assembly a message on the State of the nation. It is a much anticipated moment for the whole country as the President informs the people of Seychelles on the conditions of the nation, the national priorities and at the same time outlines the legislative agenda of the government which will require the support of the National Assembly. It is at this moment when the issue for emphasis during the year on the government’s agenda would be revealed through the national theme of the year. In the past some of the inspirational themes have included ‘For the Love of Seychelles’, ‘Striving for our Seychelles’ and “SESELWA - En Sel Desten’ among others.

Despite the fact that the live broadcast only showcases the President once inside the chamber, there are various protocols and procedures observed before the address is delivered to the House. The Official Gazette, which publishes the government’s notices, is the first indication of the President’s intention to deliver the message. On that momentous day, seated in close proximity, the high level officials of the three branches of government -- that is the cabinet ministers, members of the National Assembly and Chief Justice -- attend the address upon the invitation of the Speaker.

A red carpet is the order of the day and upon arrival at the National Assembly, the President is met by the Speaker and together they proceed to the ‘Speaker’s Receiving Room’ where they meet and discuss certain matters. Before 5pm, the Speaker’s Procession led by the Sergeant-At-Arms with the Mace in hand, leads the Speaker and the President to the Chamber where, after the National Anthem and Communication from the Speaker, the President delivers his address. Once the President has delivered the address, the members of the National Assembly, over the following few days, constitute debates called ‘reply to the address’ by first, the leader of the opposition, followed by the leader of government business and other members.

The message of the President on the State of the nation brings a new impetus for the political, social and economic activities of Seychelles. As the National Assembly gets ready for a new official beginning and a new year of work, the members prepare for their oversight, representation and legislative responsibilities that will be translated by them from the address.

Contributed by the National Assembly secretariat