STATEMENT BY H. E. DR. LAZARUS MCCARTHY CHAKWERA, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALAWI AND CHAIRPERSON OF THE SADC ORGAN ON POLITICS, DEFENCE AND SECURITY COOPERATION ON THE EVE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS IN SEYCHELLES

STATEMENT BY H. E. DR. LAZARUS MCCARTHY CHAKWERA, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALAWI AND CHAIRPERSON OF THE SADC ORGAN ON POLITICS, DEFENCE AND SECURITY COOPERATION ON THE EVE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES

Fellow Members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC),

The people of the Republic of Seychelles will head to the polls on 25th, 26th, and 27th September 2025 to elect the President and Members of the National Assembly in line with the country’s constitution and laws governing their elections.

As a SADC Member State, the Seychelles Government has invited SADC to deploy its Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to observe the country’s pre-election phase, polling day and the post-election processes in line with the relevant provisions of the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021). These Principles and Guidelines promote regular, free, fair, transparent, credible, and peaceful democratic elections, among others, as key indicators of a healthy democracy.

The Republic of Seychelles is well known for its peace, stability, and tranquillity, which is enjoyed by its citizenry. It is our most fervent wish that this peace continue to prevail throughout the polling days and the post-election phase.  

I therefore call upon all Seychellois nationals who are eligible to vote to do so in large numbers, exercising their democratic right and contributing to the development and prosperity of their country. I further urge all political leaders and their supporters to exercise restraint, remain calm, respect the will of the people, and act responsibly during this period, addressing any potential grievances peacefully through the country’s established legal avenues. 

Finally, I am delighted to join the rest of the people of the SADC Region in wishing the Seychellois nation a successful and peaceful elections.

Thank You.

24 SEPTEMBER 2025