Who can register to vote in elections in Seychelles?

A Seychellois citizen who is at least 18 and resident in the relevant Electoral Area can generally register. Registration is not automatic, and the voter must provide a valid National Identity Card or passport.

How is the President chosen in elections in Seychelles?

The President is elected directly for a five-year term and may serve no more than three terms. A candidate must receive more than half of the valid votes; otherwise, a second ballot between the top two candidates takes place within 14 days.

How are National Assembly seats allocated in elections in Seychelles?

Each of the 26 Electoral Areas elects one member by relative majority. Parties receiving at least 10% of the valid national vote also receive proportional seats at a rate of one seat for each 10%.

What identification is needed to vote in elections in Seychelles?

Voters must present a physical valid National Identity Card or passport at the polling station. Voting is secret and personal, and mobile phones or other electronic devices are not permitted inside the polling station.

How can an election result in Seychelles be challenged?

An Election Petition may be filed with the Constitutional Court within 14 days after the result or Gazette publication. The court may declare an election or proportional nomination void or order a recount, and an appeal may be made to the Court of Appeal.

Elections in Seychelles

Elections in Seychelles choose the President and members of the National Assembly through direct voting and proportional allocation. Presidential elections use a second ballot when no candidate receives more than half of the valid votes, while National Assembly elections combine 26 electoral areas with proportional seats. Eligible Seychellois citizens must register in advance and vote in person with valid identification.

bySharon&Michel

The Electoral Commission Seychelles (ECS) administers the national electoral system and maintains the Register of Voters. Registration is not automatic. A voter generally must be a Seychellois citizen aged at least 18, live in the relevant Electoral Area and hold a valid National Identity Card or passport. The law does not allow registration for a person serving a prison sentence of at least six months or declared of unsound mind. The register can be checked throughout the year, and voters can apply for registration, correction of their name or National Identification Number, or transfer to another Electoral Area. The certified register closes before an election. A 2025 amendment created pre-registration for people who turn 18 during the election year, but this applies to a General Election rather than a by-election and requires parental or guardian consent while the person is under 18. Limited three-month residence exceptions apply to overseas students, diplomatic missions and certain government-contract workers, with supporting evidence. Overseas registration did not create overseas polling stations for the 2025 election because of logistical and operational constraints.

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