Arid condemns Election Commission overreach |07 August 2026
Arid condemns Election Commission overreach
The Association for Rights, Information and Democracy (Arid) has expressed grave concern over actions by the chairperson and members of the Seychelles Election Commission that, it says, exceed their statutory mandate and contravene the Elections Act.
Arid warns that such conduct threatens electoral integrity, administrative independence, and public confidence in the Commission.
Key concerns raised by Arid
- Financial regulations ignored in the Commission’s operations
- Chairperson assuming secretariat functions reserved for administrative staff
- Overstepping Chief Electoral Officer’s role and responsibilities
- Unilateral restructuring without due process or stakeholder consultation
Arid’s demands
- Immediate halt to actions exceeding the Commission’s legal mandate
- Reinstatement of statutory roles for the Chief Electoral Officer and secretariat
- Suspension of structural changes pending lawful, transparent review
- Independent inquiry into allegations, with findings published
Arid further urges authorities to monitor the situation closely and has notified regional organisations, including the SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC). The association says it stands ready to provide evidence and cooperate with any independent review.
Press release – Arid