The National Assembly of Seychelles is pleased to announce, to all esteemed colleagues and partners, the election of Honourable Azarel Ernesta as the new Speaker of the National Assembly, following the First Sitting of the 8th National Assembly held on Tuesday 28th October 2025. This transition also marks the conclusion of the tenure of former Speaker Roger Mancienne, whose dedicated leadership and service guided the 7th National Assembly through its five-year mandate. The National Assembly of Seychelles extends its sincerest appreciation to Mr. Mancienne for his contributions to parliamentary governance and wishes him continued success.
This marks a historic moment for the Republic of Seychelles, as Hon. Ernesta becomes the first woman to hold the position of Speaker since the establishment of the National Assembly. Her election reflects the nation’s ongoing commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women in leadership roles. Under the leadership of the Speaker and at the helm of the National Assembly Service, the roles of the Honourable Clerk and Deputy Clerk are also occupied by strengthened female leadership.
Historically, the Seychelles legislature has demonstrated a strong tradition of female leadership, particularly through the consistent appointment of women to the key positions of Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly. This enduring presence reflects a culture of resilience and continuity in women’s representation within parliamentary governance. The National Assembly Service, that is the administrative and specialised body responsible for supporting the functioning of Parliament, is similarly characterized by a majority female workforce with many women holding senior positions within the directorate and management. This sustained trend of female participation in pivotal guiding roles not only amplifies the voice of Seychellois women but also stands as a testament to the nation’s progress in advancing educational and professional opportunities for women across all sectors.
In celebrating this milestone, the National Assembly of Seychelles renews its commitment to promoting gender equality and advancing women’s leadership in governance, and is keen to strengthen its partnerships with regional and international partners under this new leadership. Together, we will continue to uphold our shared principles of democracy, accountability, and respect for diversity, while fostering greater inclusion and collaboration across all spheres of parliamentary engagement.
