WILL THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION DEREGISTER ONE SEYCHELLES?

Last week the Electoral Commission confirmed that its opening an inquiry into the One Seychelles political party after Treasurer, Vincent Padayachy, went public about the reasons why he resigned.

A senior legal officer at the Electoral Commission, Salina Sinon, confirmed to a local newspaper that under the political parties act, the law forbids Seychellois political parties to receive sponsorship from foreign individuals. Section 29A of the 2014 amendment to the Political Parties (Registration and Regulation) act states that “A registered political party shall not accept, directly or indirectly, any contribution or donation from any foreign individual or any foreign entity, whether or not body corporate”.

Subsequently Mr Padayachy has provided the following documents to the Electoral commission to aid their inquiry.

In a letter dated 9^th of December 2019 Secretary General of One Seychelles, Peter Sinon, writes to former Treasurer of One Seychelles requesting the transfer of shares of the Islander’s Weekly to the sponsor. This is a clear confirmation that One Seychelles has a sponsor that is donating to the party.

In a document for the share transfer, the sponsor is identified as Sacarac Establishment of Liechtenstein represented by Sonja Gram.

In another letter, the former treasurer confirms to the Secretary General of One Seychelles the transfer of shares to the sponsor that Mr Padayachy was holding for One Seychelles.

The sponsorship by a foreign entity or individual is a clear violation of the Political Parties (Registration and Regulation) act. Will the Electoral Commission deregister One Seychelles?

Source:Seychelles Weekly