Presidential election 2006-Ballot papers arrive |21 July 2006

The papers arrived early Thursday July 20 in the morning accompanied by Electoral Commissioner Hendrick Gappy and representatives of the three candidates who are contesting the election.

Simon Gill representing the Seychelles People's Progressive Front (SPPF),  Denis Nageon the Seychelles National Party (SNP) and Roy Jean-Louis the independent candidate, accompanied Mr Gappy to Singapore to oversee the printing of the ballot papers.

They witnessed the whole process, from the design stage through to packaging of the final product and were satisfied with the entire procedure.

"Everything went according to plan and we are all satisfied with the outcome," Mr Gappy told Nation Thursday.

"We agreed on a security symbol and seal which will make the ballot paper counterfeit-proof," Mr Gappy said.

Apart from overseeing the printing, the delegation also witnessed the destruction of the plates, wastes and proof prints and all signed a certificate for these.

Based on lots drawn on Nomination Day, the SPPF presidential candidate, incumbent President James Michel, appears first on the ballot paper, followed by independent candidate Philippe Boulle in the middle and SNP candidate Wavel Ramkalawan third.

The paper also contain the name of each presidential candidate and the party they represent, followed by that party's and independent candidate's logo, the photo of the candidate and an empty box next to it in which the voters will put a mark to indicate for which candidate they are voting for.

Voters are reminded that they should put only one mark in the box provided next to the candidate of their choice for the votes to be valid.

The ballot papers were printed by security printers Secura Singapore Pte Ltd.