National Assembly engages in CPA small branches workshop on parliamentary independence |09 May 2026

Delegates in a souvenir photograph

The National Assembly of Seychelles was represented at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Small Branches Workshop on Strong and Independent Parliaments in Small Jurisdictions, held in Malé, Republic of Maldives, from April 27 to 29, 2026. The delegation comprised Hon. Cecile Larsen and Hon. Georges Romain.

The workshop was jointly organised by the CPA and the Parliament of Maldives (People’s Majlis) and brought together parliamentarians from small jurisdictions across the Commonwealth to exchange experiences and best practices on strengthening parliamentary independence, accountability and oversight.

Delegates were hosted by the People’s Majlis and formally welcomed by the Speaker Hon. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, MP. The Vice-President of the Republic of Maldives H.E. Hussain Mohamed Latheef, and the Deputy Speaker Hon. Ahmed Nazim, MP, were also present at the opening. The workshop was officially opened by the Chairperson of the CPA Small Branches network Hon. Valerie Woods, MP (Belize).

Over the three days, discussions focused on key thematic areas such as the separation of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary, legislative and committee processes, accountability mechanisms, and the role of civil society in supporting democratic governance. Reflecting on the workshop, Hon. Larsen highlighted the relevance of the discussions to Seychelles, noting the importance of the sessions on parliamentary independence, citizen engagement, and the role of women parliamentarians. Hon. Larsen underlined the importance of ensuring that parliaments remain effective, transparent and responsive to the needs of the population, and welcomed the opportunity to learn how other small jurisdictions are modernising parliamentary procedures.

As a member of the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) Hon. Romain remarked that the sessions on financial oversight and scrutiny across the budget cycle were especially beneficial. These sessions examined Parliament’s role in reviewing national budgets, strengthening input during budget formulation, improving public spending oversight through Public Accounts Committees (PACs), and identifying hidden fiscal risks.

Both honourable members emphasised that the exchange of experiences with counterparts from across the Commonwealth provided practical insights that could be adapted to further strengthen parliamentary processes in Seychelles.

The delegation expressed appreciation to the CPA and the Parliament of the Maldives for organising the workshop and for providing a constructive forum for dialogue, learning and networking among parliamentarians from small jurisdictions.

Press release – National Assembly