By Suleman Chitera

As Seychelles gears up for the second round of presidential elections, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairperson and President of Malawi, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, has called for peace, unity, and stability throughout the electoral process.

In an official statement released on the eve of the polls, President Mutharika urged Seychellois citizens to participate fully in the elections by turning out in large numbers and exercising their democratic right to vote. He emphasized that active civic engagement is key to ensuring the continued development and prosperity of the island nation.

“Let us maintain the peace and stability that has been the hallmark of Seychelles democracy,” said Mutharika. “I call upon all political leaders and their supporters to exercise restraint, remain calm, respect the will of the people, and act responsibly during this period.”

The SADC Chairperson also commended the Government of Seychelles for inviting the regional bloc to deploy a SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to monitor the pre-election phase, polling day, and post-election activities.

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The observation mission, according to Mutharika, will help ensure that the elections adhere to the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections — standards that promote **free, fair, transparent, credible, and peaceful