Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Advisory Council delegation pays courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde, received a delegation from the SADC Electoral Advisory Council on Thursday 6th February 2025 at Maison Queau de Quinssy.
The head of delegation, Deputy Chairperson of the SADC Electoral Advisory Council, Mrs Jennifer Chiriga, informed Minister Radegonde that the mission aimed to review the status of the implementation of SADC Electoral Observation Missions (SEOM) recommendations for the past three elections (2015, 2016, 2020) held in Seychelles.
She noted that it is routine for the SEAC post-election review missions to engage with the Electoral Management Body and key stakeholders in Member States to assess the rate of and challenges to the implementation of recommendations made over the previous elections.
Minister Radegonde conveyed the Government's appreciation for the SEAC's continued support and guidance as work is being done to strengthen Seychelles' electoral framework and gave assurances that the Government remains committed to implementing the necessary reforms to ensure that elections are conducted in line with the best practices.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism - Foreign Affairs Department, Republic of Seychelles.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Calls for Omanisation freeze counterproductive
While relevant authorities are working to employ, train, and qualify Omanis for work in various available economic sectors, and to raise the percentage of "Omanisation" among qualified personnel in required specialties, today we find some countries attempting to distort this national and sovereign demand by proposing the idea of freezing "Omanisation" in some companies established through foreign investments. For more than three weeks, numerous messages and appeals have been circulating in the social media from citizens addressing government officials not to accept any condition restricting the employment of national workers in these companies in the event of bilateral trade agreements. This would lead to a doubling of the number of foreign employees in commercial establishments operating in the Sultanate, which would increase their control over the fate of Omanis and their ability to decide. This will also lead to a decline in the qualification opportunities for Omanis in these institutions. And ultimately will lead to an increase in annual remittances of expatriates to their home countries, thereby reducing liquidity in the domestic market. Many people view this country's request to freeze the "Omanisation" policy in the free trade agreement as a form of guardianship over the Omani labour market. When a country seeks to permanently guarantee its labour in vital sectors in another country, this sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the sovereignty of national decision-making. We know that foreign investment in any country seeks economic freedom, even in hiring its own workers, to reduce the final cost of any product or service. However, each country has its own laws, particularly regarding the employment of a certain percentage of national workers in these institutions, and Oman is no exception. However, I do not believe that the goal of freezing Omanisation will create chaos in the Omani market, as some suggest. However, there is a possibility that this could lead to some diplomatic tensions in specific commercial areas, which could be avoided by clarifying the country's policies. The world has experienced some problems resulting from the presence of its workers in other countries over the past decades. In certain cases, the issue of national labour or economic policies was used as a means to strain relations or improve a particular domestic situation. In international relations, there are solutions to resolve such disputes, and countries work to resolve them diplomatically to avoid escalation. We must view these issues and matters objectively, because governments typically seek to protect their national interests, and disputes related to labour and economic policies are often resolved through dialogue and agreements. The volume of Oman's foreign trade with countries around the world is increasing annually, and the quality of foreign investment projects is also increasing. Oman imports numerous products and goods, from around the world. And any demand to freeze the "Omanisation" policy will lead to a decline in demand from these countries. Furthermore, such a demand will lead to a decline in demand for joint big projects from such countries. All of these projects are part of efforts to enhance economic cooperation between countries, especially since recent years have witnessed an increase in the volume of investments and joint projects between Oman and these countries. Therefore, the presence of national labour alongside expatriate labor is a matter of sovereignty, and no country can propose a vision that excludes national labour from working in its country.
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
United States (U.S.) Embassy Monrovia Congratulates Liberia on Election to United Nations Security Council
The U.S. Embassy in Monrovia extends heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of Liberia on their election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term. This significant achievement reflects Liberia's enduring commitment to international peace and security, as well as its active participation in multilateral diplomacy. Liberia's election is a testament to its progress in democratic governance and its leadership role within the West African region. The United States looks forward to collaborating closely with Liberia during its tenure on the Security Council. Together, we aim to address global challenges and promote a more peaceful and secure world. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Liberia.
Zawya
14 hours ago
- Zawya
South Africa: Select Committee on Public Infrastructure Is Briefed by Auditor-General
The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Ministries in the Presidency received a briefing from the Auditor-General (AG) of South Africa on the audit outcomes for the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), Brand SA and Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). The committee expressed serious concerns about the mixed performance of these critical government institutions that report to the department. Committee Chairperson Mr Rikus Badenhorst noted that while Brand SA maintained its clean audit status, the regression in the DPME's audit outcome from clean to unqualified with findings, as well as the persistent material findings at Stats SA, point to systemic weaknesses in expenditure management, internal controls and consequence management across the portfolio. "What emerges most clearly from the Auditor-General's presentation is a culture of stagnation. Recommendations are noted but not acted upon, plans are drafted but not internalised, and repeat findings accumulate without resolution. We cannot allow inaction to become institutionalised," said Mr Badenhorst. The committee was particularly concerned about the significant backlog of unresolved irregular and fruitless expenditure cases at Stats SA, some dating back over a decade. Members of the committee argued that the vacancies in key positions, including the CFO role which has been vacant for eight years, have severely weakened the control environment and accountability mechanisms at the entity. The committee said the credibility of the data and statistics produced by Stats SA is critical for effective government planning and service delivery. The persistence of these governance and financial management failures is deeply troubling and requires urgent intervention. The committee welcomed the Auditor General's recommendations for the accounting officers, including: - Ensuring vacant positions are timeously filled to maintain effective internal controls - Enhancing reviews of performance planning and reporting processes - Swiftly resolving all cases of irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure - Monitoring the implementation of action plans with a focus on daily controls and reconciliations Members emphasised the need for the executive authority and accounting officers to be held accountable for addressing these persistent weaknesses. The committee committed to regularly engage the DPME, Brand SA and Stats SA to monitor progress on implementing the AG's recommendations and achieving tangible improvements in audit outcomes, performance and accountability. 'This report must be our guide when we engage these departments during the upcoming budget process. We cannot allow inaction to become institutionalised. The people of South Africa deserve efficient, transparent and accountable public institutions that deliver on their developmental mandate,' concluded Mr Badenhorst. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
