1957 Seychellois parliamentary election explained

Parliamentary elections were held in the Seychelles in June 1957. The Seychelles Taxpayers and Producers Association (STPA) won three of the four seats.[1]

Electoral system

The 13-member Legislative Council consisted of the Governor, six officials (the Government Secretary, the Attorney General, the Treasurer and the Directors of Agriculture, Education and Medical Services), two appointed members and four elected members, elected from single-member constituencies.[2]

The right to vote was granted to all citizens over the age of 21 who could write their name, paid income tax on an annual income of SR 3,000 or more, and could prove that they had lived in the Seychelles for at least a year.[3] Only around 10% of the population were able to register.[3]

Campaign

In two of the four seats, STPA candidates were unopposed; Helen Stevenson-Delhomme in North Mahé and Harry Savy in Praslin and La Digue.

Results

Voter turnout in the contested seats was 59%.[3]

ConstituencyElected memberParty
Central MahéErnest de Coulhac-MazerieuxIndependent
North MahéHelen Stevenson-DelhommeSeychelles Taxpayers and Producers Association
Praslin and La DigueHarry SavySeychelles Taxpayers and Producers Association
South MahéHenri GontierSeychelles Taxpayers and Producers Association
align=left colspan=3Source: Seychelles 1957 & 1958

Aftermath

Following the elections, D. Bailey and E. Stravens were appointed to the Council.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Seychelles 1957 & 1958 Seychelles Government Printer, p1
  2. Seychelles 1957 & 1958, p49
  3. [Dolf Sternberger]