The Republic of Seychelles has endorsed a candidate to vie for the position of chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
The announcement came on Wednesday May 15, when the Ministry of Foreign and Tourism Affairs (MFA) declared the candidacy of its former Vice President Vincent Meriton.
“The Foreign Affairs Department wishes to announce that the Government of Seychelles has endorsed the candidature of Mr. Vincent Meriton for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) in the election scheduled to take place in February 2025,” read part of Seychelles MFA statement.
Seychelles’ nominated candidate has held several positions in the government including as a Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs, Health and Social Affairs, Information Technology, and the Blue Economy and Entrepreneurship Development.
Three Candidates Join Raila in the AUC Chairperson Race
Meriton now joins Azimio Leader Raila Odinga, Fawzia Yussuf from Somalia and Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, who are all angling for the top job at the AU as the August 15 application deadline approaches.
Also Read: Win For Raila as Ruto Secures AU Bid Endorsement from Another Nation
Odinga who declared his candidacy for the AUC chairmanship, now faces heightened competition with an addition entry of Seychelles into the fray.
The Azimio leader known for his influential role in Kenyan politics and his aspirations for a leadership position within the African Union, is expected to face challenges ahead.
With multiple candidates now in contention, the race for the AUC chairmanship has become increasingly unpredictable.
Diplomatic maneuvering and strategic alliances are expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the election.
The Chairperson of the Commission is elected by the Assembly for a four-year term.
Meriton’s core objective as Chairperson of the AUC is to improve the implementation rate of the Commission’s executive decisions by addressing barriers to implementation and promoting accountability and compliance.
Also Read: Moses Kuria Shares Initiatives to Build on Raila AUC Bid
About Seychelles’ Vincent Meriton
Vincent Emmanuel Angelin Meriton was born on December 28, 1960.
He completed his primary and secondary education in Seychelles and further his studies in Moscow where he graduated with a master’s degree in Sociology from Moscow State University.
Meriton started his career in 1978 as an Audit Assistant with the Department of Audit.
He later worked as an Assistant immigration Officer with the Immigration Division between 1979 and 1981, before joining the National Workers Union in 1981 as a Sector Secretary.
Upon his return to Seychelles in 1991, he worked as a Senior Training and Research Officer with the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs.
He went back to the National Workers Union in July 1991 as National Secretary until his appointment as Director General for the Employment Division in 1995.
Meriton’s Ministerial Roles
Meriton served as Member of Seychelles National Assembly from 1998 to 2002 and was first appointed as Minister for Social Affairs and Employment in January 2004.
In 2005, he assumed the role of Minister for Health and Social Services, a position he held until August 2006.
Later, in 2006, he was appointed Minister for Community Development and Youth and in 2007, the Minister for Community Development, Youth, Sports and Culture.
In 2010 to 2011, he became the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports.
From June 2011 to March 2012, he led Ministry of Community Development and Youth and from March 2012 to October 2016, he was the Minister for Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports.
Meriton was later appointed Designated Minister in July 2010, a position he held till October 2016.
On 28th October 2016, he was sworn in as Vice-President of the Republic of Seychelles, a position he held until 2020.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates.
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
