National Assembly   |18 November 2023

MNA François Adelaide suspended, while his behaviour is investigated

The National Assembly has suspended the elected member for Baie Lazare, François Adelaide, while it conducts an investigation into an incident that occurred between Mr Adelaide and Clerk Tania Isaac.

It was the United Seychelles party’s chief whip, Sylvanne Lemiel, who raised a matter of privilege at the start of yesterday’s sitting, expressing her disappointment and anxiety, and stating it was something that affected her privilege as a woman.

“Honourable François Adelaide made comments that were deplorable and denigrating in relation to the assembly’s clerk. This should not have happened and I see it as an abuse and harassment against a woman,” she stated, calling on the National Assembly to take serious actions against him.

The chief whip of the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa caucus, Sandy Arrissol, also condemned the incident and said he hopes it was dealt with accordingly.

His words were echoed by Regina Esparon, who is the chairperson of the Women caucus in the National Assembly.

Speaker Roger Mancienne said he has suspended Mr Adelaide while they consider appropriate disciplinary actions.

It should be noted that during the course of the day, proportionate member of the United Seychelles Party, Johan Loze, raised a matter of privilege questioning the way the matter was handled, stating it was done in private compared to his suspension which was a matter for the floor. 

Speaker Mancienne requested that he submits his complaint, if any, in writing.

Patsy Canaya