People’s Majlis of Maldives visit Seychelles’ CAA |10 July 2025
People’s Majlis of Maldives visit Seychelles’ CAA
A delegation of the People’s Majlis of Maldives led by deputy Speaker Hon. Ahmed Nazim, last Friday met with members of Seychelles’ Constitutional Appointments Authority.
The delegation comprised Minority Leader Hon. Ibrahim Nazil, Hons. Hussain Riza Adam, Hassan Zareer, Husnee Mubarik, and Foreign Relations Officer Mariyam Waheed. The chairperson of the Constitutional Appointments Authority (CAA), Michel Felix, was accompanied by members of the authority namely Jessie Esparon, Simone De Commarmond, Walter Confait, and Annette George.
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome and introductions led by Mr Felix, followed by Hon. Nazimwho provided a brief overview of the purpose of their visit, explaining that the delegation aimed to observe and learn from the functioning of Seychelles’ legislative and judicial systems.
Discussions then began with an overview of the mandate and vision of the CAA. Mr Felix explained that the CAA is an independent body established under Articles 139 and 140 of the Constitution, with its principal function being to propose suitable candidates for appointment by the President.
He further elaborated on the appointment process, noting that two members are appointed by the President and two by the leader of the opposition. Once all four members are selected, they convene to appoint a fifth member of whom shall also be the chairperson. Mr Felix also highlighted that members serve a seven-year term upon their appointment.
Deputy Speaker Nazim then outlined the procedures followed in the Maldives regarding constitutional appointments, while also sharing some insights into the country’s political history.
He expressed that there is a growing national interest in the possibility of holding Parliamentary and Presidential elections simultaneously, and took the opportunity to seek guidance on how Seychelles is approaching such matters.
The dialogue then expanded to include a range of topics, including a comparison of electoral district boundaries and geographical variations, the role of several parliamentary committees within the People’s Majlis, and other significant differences and parallels between the two nations' Constitutions and forms of governance.
The fruitful meeting then concluded with the exchange of tokens of appreciation, and a commemorative group photograph.
Contributed