President Wavel Ramkalawan, chaired a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet yesterday, Thursday 8th August in which a number of legal and policy memoranda were approved.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved amendment to the Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles (Cap 42) detailed in the Constitution (Eleventh Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2024. The Bill introduces significant changes to the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Seychelles. The Bill mandates that the President's term will commence on the swearing-in date, ensuring a full 5-year term and allowing for an orderly transition of power. It proposes that National Assembly elections be held simultaneously with Presidential elections to streamline the process, while provisions are in place for separate elections if needed. The Bill also addresses the dissolution of the National Assembly, election date declarations, and procedures for filling a Presidential vacancy. It repeals Article 52A, amends Article 59 regarding legal proceedings against former Presidents, and changes the title "Designated Minister" to "Principal Minister." Extensive consultations with the Electoral Commission, the Hon. Leader of Government Business, and the Department of Foreign Affairs were conducted to align electoral laws with these constitutional amendments. The Bill is set to be published in the Gazette, marking a significant step towards enhancing the transparency and consistency of Seychelles' electoral process.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the presentation of the Trade Remedies Bill to be presented to the National Assembly. The Bill introduces measures such as anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard mechanisms designed to protect domestic industries from unfair trade practices and stabilize markets. It aims to promote fair competition, ensure compliance with global trade standards, and safeguard local industries from the adverse effects of dumped or subsidized imports. This initiative, stemming from the SADC Trade Related Facility project that began in 2018, supports national food security and infant industry protection while adhering to WTO commitments. The Bill, finalized in July 2024 in collaboration with the Trade Division and Attorney General's Office.
The Cabinet has approved the publication of the Children (Working with Children Suitability Check) Regulations, 2024, a significant step toward enhancing child protection measures in Seychelles. Initially introduced in 2018 by the Social Affairs Department, this suitability check system was designed to vet individuals working with children, starting with home-based childminders, to create a safer environment for children. The new regulations formalize and expand this framework to include all individuals in direct contact with children, ensuring they undergo thorough background checks and meet professional standards. The regulations, which align with international child protection standards, will be gazetted in September 2024, followed by sensitization sessions and a phased implementation beginning in January 2025. This initiative aims to enhance stakeholder awareness, improve risk mitigation capacity, and ensure those working with children are suitable, thereby reinforcing public trust and prioritizing children's well-being.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to implement stricter measures and enhance regulatory frameworks for the trade of Aldabra Giant Tortoises (AGT) in Seychelles. This initiative aims to address the challenges posed by illegal wildlife trade and ensure the sustainable management of AGT populations. As Seychelles holds a significant population of AGTs, the Cabinet emphasized the need to align with international conservation standards under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). With rising concerns about illegal trade and exploitation of these tortoises, the new measures will include enhanced monitoring and enforcement by the CITES Management Authority, which will impose stricter penalties for non-compliance and illegal activities. With immediate effect, a moratorium will be placed on approving any new licenses for breeding and export of AGT.
Relevant Ministries will provide details.