Ceps Constitution Day Forum |19 June 2015

Engaging the citizens to better understand the Constitution

‘Citizens as guardians of the Constitution’ was the theme of a forum organised earlier this week by the Citizens Engagement Platform of Seychelles (Ceps) to commemorate Constitution Day, which was celebrated yesterday.

The forum took place at the Seychelles Trading Company (STC) conference room on Wednesday in the presence of the British high commissioner Lindsay Skoll, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, David Pierre; Ceps chairperson Jules Hoareau and its chief executive Veronique Bonnelame; as well as members of the National Celebrations Committee.

The forum was to discuss about the Constitution of Seychelles, the fundamental law of the country which was approved by a referendum on June 18, 1993. It has been amended five times since – in 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000 and 2011. It enshrines the fundamental rights of citizens of Seychelles and affirms the democratic values.

Mr Hoareau said the citizens of Seychelles need to be more informed about their constitutional rights.

“We, the people of Seychelles, are responsible for our Constitution. It is the supreme law of the country. The government needs to bring the contents of the Constitution to the citizens of Seychelles. This will help us understand more about our rights and about how the Constitution works. This document must be accessible to every person,” he said.   
He added that citizens should not be afraid to talk about the Constitution.

“This unique half-day event aims to regroup civil society organisations and discuss their fundamental roles and responsibilities as stated in the Constitution.  In line with article 24 of the Constitution, we want to advocate to the citizens how they can participate in public affairs by knowing more about their rights and its limitations. It is hoped that this event will spur collaboration with the various bodies that exist to safeguard our Constitution. Such opportunities are rare, not to mention crucial in ensuring that citizens know of their important role, as guardian of the Constitution,” he said.

A panel comprising Justice Bernardin Renaud, Mr Hoareau himself and Marie-Nella Azemia was there to talk about the Constitution and answer questions from those in attendance.