Seychelles Parliament: SBC Act Amendment Shifts Power to President

• Parliament amended the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) Act in June 2026, transferring powers over board appointments from the Constitutional Appointments Authority to the president.
• Critics fear this amendment could curtail editorial independence and increase political influence over media reporting.
• Despite Seychelles' high ranking in press freedom indices (35th globally, 3rd in Africa in 2026), incidents like journalists being barred from events and an editor's expulsion have occurred.
• A 2025 Afrobarometer survey revealed that while most citizens desire a watchdog media, fewer than half believe their media is truly free, a proportion that has declined since 2022.
• The Seychelles media landscape has evolved significantly since 1976, moving from a state mouthpiece to a pluralistic environment with about 10 outlets.

The June 2026 amendment to the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) Act, which shifted significant authority over board appointments and dismissals from the independent Constitutional Appointments Authority to the president, has raised considerable concern among critics.

In a significant development for media governance, the Seychelles Parliament enacted an amendment to the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) Act in June 2026. This legislative change reallocated substantial authority concerning the appointment and dismissal of SBC board members, transferring these powers from the independent Constitutional Appointments Authority directly to the country's president. The move has prompted immediate apprehension among critics, who suggest it could lead to a curtailment of editorial independence and an escalation of political influence over journalistic output, particularly regarding government operations.

Beyond this legislative alteration, other observers have noted ongoing issues such as persistent self-censorship within the media and a broader political influence affecting reporting. These concerns are not entirely theoretical; specific incidents have underscored the challenges faced by journalists. In 2022, for instance, two journalists were inexplicably denied access to cover a presidential news conference. Furthermore, in 2025, the editor-in-chief of "Today in Seychelles" was expelled from the nation following the publication of material deemed critical of the government. While these occurrences are described as isolated and infrequent, they nonetheless pose a threat to the advancements made in the media sector over several decades.

The media environment in Seychelles has undergone a profound transformation since the nation achieved independence in 1976. During the one-party rule under President France-Albert René, the media largely functioned as a state mouthpiece, rather than an independent fourth estate. The reintroduction of multiparty democracy in 1993 marked a pivotal moment, establishing the groundwork for a more diverse and unfettered media landscape.

Currently, Seychelles boasts a pluralistic media environment with approximately 10 public and private outlets, widely recognized as one of Africa's freest. The Seychelles Nation, the archipelago's leading newspaper, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2026, a testament to the sector's maturity. In 2026, Seychelles improved its standing by 10 places in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, securing the 35th position globally and ranking third in Africa, behind only South Africa and Namibia. Additionally, Freedom House categorized Seychelles as a "free" state in 2026, further indicating a relatively unconstrained operational environment for its media.

Despite the positive international assessments and historical progress, public sentiment regarding media freedom in Seychelles reveals a more nuanced picture. Findings from the 2025 Afrobarometer survey indicate that a majority of citizens advocate for a free media that actively serves as a watchdog over government activities. However, fewer than half of the surveyed population perceive their media as truly free, a proportion that has notably declined since 2022.

The survey also highlighted a strong public demand for transparency, with a majority of citizens asserting that the public should have access to information held by government authorities, including budgets and contracts. In terms of news consumption habits, television remains the most popular source of news for Seychellois citizens, followed by radio and then social media platforms.

The June 2026 amendment to the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) Act, which shifted significant authority over board appointments and dismissals from the independent Constitutional Appointments Authority to the president, has raised considerable concern among critics. This legislative change, coupled with observed instances of self-censorship and direct interference, suggests a potential erosion of the hard-won gains in media independence. While Seychelles continues to be recognized internationally for its relatively free press, these emerging challenges could undermine the autonomy of its media institutions.

The discrepancy between international rankings and domestic public perception underscores the fragility of media freedom. The public's strong desire for a vigilant, independent media, contrasted with their declining belief in its actual freedom, highlights a critical juncture for the nation's democratic institutions. Ensuring genuine press freedom and access to information will be crucial for maintaining public trust and upholding the principles of a robust, transparent democracy in Seychelles.

Lawyers should advise media clients in Seychelles on the increased risk of political interference and potential curtailment of editorial independence following the SBC Act amendment, monitoring its practical impact on media operations and any subsequent legal challenges or regulatory shifts.

Source: Original reporting via Afrobarometer.