Head of SEOM to the 2015 Seychelles Presidential Elections Presents a Preliminary Statement

On 20 December 2015, Honourable Nyeleti Brooke Mondlane, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation of the Republic of Mozambique and Head of the SADC Election Observation Mission (SEOM) to the 2015 Presidential Elections in the Republic of Seychelles presented a preliminary statement of the SEOM. The statement followed an election run-off that was held between the incumbent President James Michel, Leader of the ruling 'Parti Lepep' and Leader of the Seychelles National Party Wavel Ramkalawan.

Upon completion of the second round, the Electoral Commission announced the winner of the December 2015 Presidential Election. SEOM duly noted the fact that the SNP was contesting the results and seeking redress. The SEOM urged that the Seychelles legal process takes its due course, in accordance with the law. SEOM encouraged the peace-loving Seychellois to continue with the spirit of political tolerance shown throughout the electoral process and maintain peace and tranquillity.

In the course of observing the elections, the SEOM noted that there was a general adherence to the relevant national legal instruments as well as the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.

The Electoral Commission of Seychelles (ECS), established under the Elections (Amendment), Act 27 of 2014, had invited SADC to observe the Seychelles Presidential Elections. The SEOM was constituted by His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique and Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation in accordance with the established practice to observe elections in SADC Member States.