Roadmap for Electoral Reform 2011-2013 - ELECTORAL COMMISSION October 2011
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Roadmap for Electoral Reform
2011-2013
ELECTORAL COMMISSION
October 2011
1Contents
1. Introduction: The Call for Electoral Reform 2
2. Roadmap for Electoral Reform 2011-2013 4
Phase 1- National Consultation 6
Phase 2- Obtaining National Consensus 7
Phase 3- Proposing a Way Forward 8
3. Annexure 1- Work Programme
21. INTRODUCTION: The Call for Electoral Reform
The Presidential Election which was held in May 2011 was within the framework and ambit
of the Constitution of Seychelles and the 1996 Elections Act. International observers from
Commonwealth, La Francophonie, and SADC observed the election. LUNGOS wanted to
field a team of local observers, but was not accredited by the Electoral commissioner as it
was considered not properly constituted. The outcome of the elections, its disputation and
condemnation by the opposition parties which had contested the elections and the concerns
and recommendations raised by the international observer groups resulted in a commitment
to undertake electoral reforms.
Whilst the observers concluded that the electoral process was credible and the outcome
broadly reflects the wishes of the majority of the Seychellois voters, recommendations were
made for a number of reforms to be made to enhance the democratic institutions, practice
and culture that govern and shape the electoral process.
One of the recommendations for reform was the establishment of an independent and
adequately resourced Electoral Commission. On 12 July 2011 the 6th Amendment to the
Constitution of Seychelles was passed by the National Assembly to make provision for an
Electoral Commission, consisting of five members one of whom to be the Chairperson. The
five members were appointed on 28th July 2011. The Electoral Commission was tasked with
reviewing Presidential, Legislative and other election laws in Seychelles, and matters related
to Articles 117 and 118 of the Constitution.
Immediately on appointment, the Electoral Commission had to organize the National
Assembly election without any significant reforms in electoral laws having been undertaken
due to the Assembly’s dissolution in July 2011. As a consequence of the controversy in the
dissolution of the National Assembly, and including previous calls by the political parties in
opposition for electoral reforms, the principal opposition party, the SNP supported by the
other political parties called for a boycott of the election. The National Assembly election was
held on 29th, 30th September and 1st October. The election was contested by Parti Lepep and
a newly formed political party the Popular Democratic Movement headed by a former
member of SNP. Parti Lepep won all the 25 seats contested with a margin of 60.3% and
PDM 7.4% of the votes cast. A total number of 16,447 voters spoilt their votes, amounting to
31.9% of the votes cast. As PDM did not poll the minimum 10% of the votes cast, in
accordance with schedule 4 Article 78(b) of the Constitution of Seychelles, it was not
allocated a seat in the Assembly.
The Electoral Commission met immediately after the conclusion of the National Assembly
election, to review the required methodology to proceed with the electoral reforms within a
reasonable timescale. A road map has been developed for implementation in three phases
over a period of 14 months. These phases include a series of National Consultation,
obtaining National Consensus and a Way Forward.
In view of the broad perspectives of the electoral reform, the Commission decided that a
consultative and participative approach to involve all stakeholders, including individual
citizens of Seychelles and within a climate of greater trust and mutual respect, is important
for the success of the reform. It will mark an important milestone in the strengthening and
consolidation of democracy in Seychelles and the eventual ownership of the reform by the
people of Seychelles; hence the reason for obtaining the views of the general public, through
districts meetings and other means of consultation.
3The electoral reform will seek to review the Elections Act and other relevant legislation and
procedures so as to address the key gaps and ambiguities in the legal framework related to
elections.
The Electoral Commission will also consider demonstrated best practices internationally and
make reference to reports of international and local observer groups of past elections, along
with the views of citizens and their representatives in its endeavour to ensure that reforms
meet the aspirations of the people of Seychelles. To give an international dimension to this
process, an international expert or experts in electoral laws and processes will be recruited
to assist, but the commission will lead all negotiations. The Commonwealth and European
Union have already expressed interest in providing the assistance of such an expert(s).
As the processes are taking place, the Commission will keep the public and other stake
holders informed of progress through press communiqués. Once the Commission has
completed the review of electoral processes and associated legislation, the
recommendations will be made to the Seychelles Government. In keeping with the spirit of
transparency and our commitment to the strengthening and consolidation of democracy in
Seychelles, the recommendations will simultaneously be made public through the
Commission’s website and will also be distributed to all stake holders.
In the interest and in furtherance of the development of our democracy and in uniting our
people for a common purpose, the Electoral Commission makes a solemn call to all our
stake holders and the Seychellois people to rise above partisanship to make these reforms a
success for Seychelles.
4ELECTORAL COMMISSION
Roadmap for Electoral Reforms 2011-2013
->> Welcome:
Intro: Recommendations n Submissions following Presidential
elections. CALL FOR ELECTORAL REFORM FROM ALL
STAKEHOLDERS
EC mandated under provision of the Constitution to do the reform
o Adopted within Electoral Law and remainder was postponed
for the Electoral Reform
o After MNA elections a strategic
This strategic plan, developed by the members of the Electoral
Commission in early October 2011,
Guides us through the proposed electoral reforms within the
framework of the Constitution of Seychelles.
This Electoral reform will involve all stakeholders;
o all political parties, civil society, the general public, members
of the diplomatic community, institutions,international
experiences, etc..
The Commission will, through the use of the media, its website, e-
mail and meetings in all electoral districts, seek the views of all
stakeholders, and undertake a comprehensive review of the
electoral system that should enable us to make the necessary
recommendations for changes to our electoral and political
environment.
The Commission will obtain the services of a local expert team
supported by an independent international consultant to assist in
drafting the necessary recommendations, in line with international best
practices.
On completion of the project, recommendations will be submitted to the
Seychelles Government for consideration and will also be distributed to
all stakeholders.
Publicity will also be done through the media and through the
Commission’s website. It is expected that the whole process will take at
least 14months to be completed.
5Mission
The Electoral Commission is committed to the strengthening and consolidation of democracy
in Seychelles. It aims to deepen and strengthen our democratic culture and practice through
consultation and a participatory approach, within a climate of greater trust and mutual
respect.
Objectives
1. Obtain the input of all stakeholders on the required electoral reforms
that should enhance the electoral and political environment.
2. Facilitate dialogue and obtain consensus on the best means of
consolidating democratic practices and processes and consequently
strengthening the electoral system.
3. Propose a way forward based on consultation, dialogue and mutual
respect, and taking into account demonstrated best practices
internationally.
Strategic Plan
This strategic plan is organised on the basis of three distinct phases:
National consultation
Obtaining national consensus
A way forward
It outlines the targets set and actions to be carried out for the achievement of each of the
stated objectives and it acts as a roadmap for the activities of the Electoral Commission over
the next 14 months.
6Phase 1 – National Consultation
Objective: Obtain the input of all stakeholders on the required electoral reforms that should enhance the electoral and political
environment.
Targets Actions Persons Timeline Costs
responsible
Review all relevant literature Carry out a review of existing electoral legislations and Oct 2011 –
other relevant literature EC Members Jan 2012
SR75,000
Obtain the views of civil Organise public meetings at district level (25 districts) Jan – May
society and members of the 2012
community Invite views and comments through the EC website, by Oct 11 – Oct
letter and by email. 12
Hold meetings with appropriate civil society groups May – June12
Obtain the views of relevant Organise meetings with relevant professional bodies June/ July12
professional bodies
Obtain the views of all political Organise forums/ workshops with representatives of EC Members April – May12
parties and other community political parties, church and other civic institution SR85,000
based institutions representatives, and representatives of the diplomatic
community
Obtain the views of Hold meetings with representatives of the media (TV, EC Members April – May12
representatives of the media radio, print-based media)
Meet with the Media Commission
Ensure that all inputs are Appoint a three-person Working Team to record, analyse EC Members May 2012 SR350,000
appropriately recorded for and summarise all views expressed.
future reference at phases 2 &
3 Regularly check on records produced. Jan-June12
Oversee the production of a preliminary report.
Publicise progress made at Give out regular progress reports through media. EC secretariat Jan – Oct12 Admin costs:
each step SR110,000
Place updated reports on Website.
7Phase 2: Obtaining National Consensus
Objective: Facilitate dialogue and obtain consensus on the best means of strengthening the electoral system
Targets Actions Persons responsible Timeline Costs
Ensure that consensus is Seek the participation of international experts, especially Oct11 –
reached an all major aspects with regard to best practices internationally EC Members Feb12 SR800,000
of electoral reforms
Organise a series of workshops (between 3 and 6) with Working Team Nov-Dec12 SR100,000
representatives of all stakeholder groups to obtain
consensus International experts
Publicise outcomes of consultation through the media and
invite further comments.
Set a deadline for end of public consultation.
8Phase 3 – Propose Way Forward
Objective: To propose a way forward based on consultation and dialogue, and taking into account demonstrated best practices
internationally.
Targets Actions Persons Timeline Costs
responsible
Advise Government of course Agree on all recommendations for change with Working
of action for electoral reforms Team and establish work plan for completion of report. EC Members Nov12- Jan13
through a report / white paper
Oversee production of the report through regular Working Team Jan-Feb13
consultation and checks
International experts Feb13 SR25,000
Publicise progress through the media and EC website
Submit report to Government with all appropriate
recommendations clearly stated and a plan of action Feb13
outlined.
Publicise the content of the report through the media and Feb13 Estimated Total
EC website. Submit copies to stakeholders. costs: SR1,545,000
9Annexure 1
Work Programme
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