The Electoral Commission of Seychelles has highlighted a series of challenges encountered during the 2025 elections.
The findings are set out in its official reports on the first and second ballots.
The Commission published two reports. The first covers the Presidential and National Assembly elections held in September 2025. The second report focuses on the Presidential run-off held in October. No candidate secured more than 50% of the vote in the first round.
Election complaints and rule breaches
One of the main issues identified relates to electoral complaints and breaches of campaign rules.
During the second ballot alone, the Commission’s Complaints Unit received 87 complaints. Most concerned alleged electoral offences and illegal practices. These included campaigning during the cooling-off period and acknowledging loud political music.
They also involved gatherings near polling stations and campaign materials placed within restricted areas.
Other complaints involved the conduct of electoral staff, media-related matters and the placement of campaign materials. The Commission said it logged all complaints and referred them to the relevant authorities.
Voter tagging and technical issues
The reports also refer to technical challenges linked to the voter tagging system.
Although the system was used throughout both ballots, minor technical issues prevented a small number of voters from being digitally tagged. During the second ballot, 66,654 voters were successfully tagged out of 66,819 votes cast, representing 99.75% coverage.
The Commission said updates were made to the system ahead of the run-off to address issues observed during the first ballot.
Staffing and non-partisanship concerns
Staffing challenges were also recorded, particularly during the second ballot.
The Commission reported that around five per cent of the workforce involved in the first ballot did not participate in the run-off. Reasons included personal circumstances, overseas studies and cases where staff requested removal after expressing partisanship.
According to the report, the Commission removed staff who failed to maintain non-partisanship after attending political rallies or motorcades. Remaining staff were redeployed to ensure polling stations remained operational.
Logistical pressure from short timeframe
The reports highlight logistical pressure created by the legal requirement to hold a second ballot within 14 days of the first.
The Commission said the limited timeframe affected planning, printing of materials, staffing and logistics. While the second ballot was delivered within the legal deadline, the Commission said the short window increased operational strain.
As a result, it recommended extending the legal timeframe for holding a second ballot from 14 to 21 days to allow more effective preparation in future elections.
Assisted voting and polling experience
Some complaints related to assisted voting arrangements, including voter experience concerns at the Home for the Elderly. The Commission said special arrangements were made for elderly and incapacitated voters in line with the Elections Act.
It added that polling was generally calm and orderly, with electoral officials, party agents and observers largely complying with procedures.
No election petitions filed
The Electoral Commission confirmed that no election petitions or other legal challenges were filed following the declaration of the second ballot results.