President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, has urged the people of Seychelles to maintain peace and uphold democratic values as the country heads to the polls for the second round of its presidential elections.
The elections are scheduled for October 9th, 10th, and 11th, 2025, following the first round held from September 25th to 27th, which did not produce an outright winner.
In an official statement released ahead of the polls, President Mutharika reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to supporting democratic processes in the region, noting that the Government of Seychelles had invited the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to observe the electoral process. The mission will monitor the pre-election environment, polling days, and post-election activities in line with the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021).
“These principles promote regular, free, fair, transparent, credible, and peaceful democratic elections as key indicators of a healthy democracy,” Mutharika said.
He praised Seychelles for its reputation as a peaceful and stable nation, expressing hope that the same atmosphere would prevail throughout the voting period and beyond.
“It is our most fervent wish that the peace witnessed during the first round of elections will continue to prevail throughout the polling days and the post-election phase,” he stated.
Mutharika called upon all eligible voters in Seychelles to turn out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right, while urging political leaders and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly.
“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,” he said.
The SADC Chairperson concluded by extending best wishes to the Seychellois people, expressing confidence that the elections would be peaceful, credible, and reflective of the people’s will.
“I am delighted to join the rest of the people of the SADC region in wishing the Seychellois nationals successful and peaceful elections,” said Mutharika.
