Seychelles and India to exchange expertise in electoral management and administration |27 September 2023

The delegation during their courtesy visit to the vice-president

The Electoral Commission Seychelles (ECS) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Election Commission India (ECI) yesterday afternoon with the aim of identifying priority areas in the field of electoral management and administration along with other goals.

Chairperson of the ECS, Danny Lucas, signed the MoU on behalf of Seychelles while the chairperson of the ECI, Shri Rajiv Kumar, signed on behalf of India.

The goal of the MoU is to also exchange expertise and other relevant information including digitisation.

In his opening speech, Mr Lucas stated that elections play a fundamental role in a democracy, serving as a mechanism through which citizens actively participate in the governance of the country.

Electoral Commissions, in turn, play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and fairness of these elections, guaranteeing that they are conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.

“In discharging our roles and duties, we are often faced with a myriad of challenges,” he stated. “From resource constraints to logistical intricacies, and from adapting to evolving technology to ensuring access for all citizens, the responsibilities of Electoral Commissions are diverse and demanding.”

Furthermore, he pointed out that one of the pillars of the Commission’s Strategic Plan is the adoption of new approaches and technologies in the conduct of elections. Through the signing of this memorandum of understanding, the two commissions are establishing an institutional mechanism that will enable them to harness their collective experience, enhance the electoral management and administration, with a particular focus on the digitalisation of the electoral process, and facilitate the exchange of expertise and other vital information.

“This partnership holds great promise. It signifies our commitment to not only improve our own electoral systems but also to strengthen the principles of democracy that both our nations hold dear.”

For his part, Mr Kumar stating that India is the oldest and largest democracy in the world and that the signing of the MoU is a unique opportunity between the two countries to further strengthen and deepen their democracies.

He noted that India enjoys a warm and cordial relationship with Seychelles. “Our engagement covers numerous areas. The signing of the MoU today will further strengthen our other areas of engagement as much as fundamental area as the deepening of democracy. We stand to learn from each other in this era.”

Mr Kumar stated that be it with regard to digital footprints, the digital way of working, either in electoral registration or conduct of elections or in capacity building, “we will be looking forward to gain from each other’s experiences”.

Before the official signing of the MoU, Mr Kumar and his delegation also paid a courtesy call on the Vice-President of Seychelles, Ahmed Afif. There was also an exchange of official gifts before the signing.

Sunny Esparon