EASF election observation mission to Seychelles - update 12.19pm |24 October 2020
Assessment of opening and voting on main polling day
听
The Eastern African Standby Force election observer mission has said in ia preliminary report that it has observed a high turnout of voters since the opening of voting stations at 7am.
In a press release issued today, October 24, 2020 at 10am, the Eastern African Standby Force (EASF) writes: 鈥淲e have observed late opening of some stations namely 好色TV House, Cascade, Praslin and Anse Royale. We commend the active participation of voters and their high level of tolerance and adherence to the established guidelines.听 This election is fundamental to the political situation in the Republic of the Seychelles where the election is being highly contested by three presidential candidates, and four political parties and two independent candidates for the parliamentary seats.
鈥淭he EASF-EOM notes with satisfaction that voting is being conducted in a calm and peaceful manner without major incidents. This election represents an important step towards the consolidation of the democratic process in Seychelles. We commend the polling staff and local observers for their professional conduct until now and EASF is hopeful that this environment will remain until the official announcement of results.
鈥淓ASF-EOM has received information relating to the following points:
1. A few isolated cases of voters wearing party memorabilia / political symbols in the vicinity of polling stations.
2. Some isolated cases of voters鈥� intimidation
3. Non-adherance to the public health measures, no social distancing at some polling stations
4. Late opening of some polling stations
5. Some voters have been turned away (because their names were not on the voters鈥� roll)
鈥淓ASF-EOM notes with satisfaction the work being done by the Election Commission and we are hopeful that the concerns highlighted above will be promptly addressed by the commission during the course of the day.
鈥淓ASF is appealing to the citizens to maintain the peaceful environment, adhere to the rule of law and to promote respect and tolerance throughout the elections.鈥�