The National Assembly of Seychelles was summoned for its First Meeting, by the President of the Republic of Seychelles H.E. Dr. Patrick Herminie, on the morning of Tuesday 28th October 2025.
Beginning at 0900hrs at the National Assembly precinct, Ile Du Port, the former Speaker Roger Mancienne presided over the First Sitting in which the Members of the 8th Assembly were sworn into office through the administration of the Oath of Allegiance by Hon. Clerk Mrs. Tania Isaac. This Swearing-In Ceremony then culminated in the election of the new Speaker Hon. Azarel Ernesta. The nomination and election of Hon. Ernesta serves as a historic moment in the history of the National Assembly, as the introduction of the first female parliamentarian to hold the key leadership role of Presiding Officer.
A female Speaker serves as a powerful symbol of equality and progress, demonstrating that leadership transcends gender, particularly in the legislative and political sphere. Alongside 8 other serving female parliamentarians, and both the Honourable Clerk and Deputy Clerk, such representation of gender in leadership within the National Assembly serves as an inspiration to future generations who aspire to participate in public service. This moment in our national development demonstrates the willingness and perseverance of the people in closing the gender gap in political representation and advancing the broader goal of gender equality within the governance of Seychelles.
Former Speaker Mancienne then adjourned the Sitting, and the Assembly regrouped for a brief ceremony in which the Official Portrait of the outgoing Speaker was unveiled. The portrait, rendered by the Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta H.E. Mrs. Francesca Alessandra Azaïs, captured the likeness and tenacity of Mr. Mancienne during his tenure as Speaker. The portrait will be featured in the parliamentary Museum, amongst portraits of all former Presiding Officers. The National Assembly of Seychelles extends its sincerest appreciation to Mr. Mancienne for his contributions to parliamentary governance and wishes him continued success.
Following the adjournment of the House, the Second Sitting then commenced at 1100hrs where Speaker Hon. Ernesta presided. During this Sitting, the House proceeded to elect the Deputy Speaker namely Hon. Egbert Aglae, the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Bernard Georges, and the Leader of Government Business Hon. Sylvanne Lemiel. The Honourable Speaker then gave brief communications from the Chair, before adjourning the Sitting until further notice. All communications on the proceedings of the Assembly will be published via official channels.
For the first time in Assembly history, the Swearing-In Ceremony of a new Assembly, including that of the Presiding Officers and Leaders, was made accessible via Lalang Siny Seselwa (LSS) through live translation by Mrs. Anita Gardner. This adaptation demonstrates the continuous effort of the National Assembly in ensuring that the proceedings of the House are made accessible and are inclusive to all members of our society.
