Seychelles President James Michel calls Presidential Election

Presidential election 2015 - PPBs continue today on SBC TV and radio

17-November-2015



The candidates who will speak tonight in the second PPB: Alexia Amesbury of SPSJD (top), James Michel of PL (middle) and independent candidate Philippe Boullé (bottom)
Three candidates taking part in the December 3-5 presidential election will present their opening programme of 13 minutes today on Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) radio and television.
They are Alexia Amesbury of the Seychelles Party for Social Justice and Democracy (SPSJD), James Michel of Parti Lepep (PL) and independent candidate Philippe Boullé.
On SBC’s Radyo Sesel the PPBs will start at 7.30pm while on SBC TV it will begin at 9pm.
Tomorrow is a rest day and this will be followed by the campaign programmes starting Thursday November 19. Each candidate will have three 26-minute slots.

The closing 13-minute PPBs is scheduled for Tuesday December 1.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247509

Ballot papers arrive

19-November-2015
With only two weeks before Seychellois go to the polls, the Electoral Commission has received the consignment of ballot papers that will be used during the Presidential election from December 3-5.

The consignment of ballot papers, printed in South Africa, was brought here last night on board an Air Seychelles flight and is now kept under tight security before distribution on voting day.

Representatives from political parties, media personnel and police officers witnessed the offloading of the ballot papers. Six candidates are taking part in the much-awaited election.

Electoral commissioner Hendrick Gappy and representatives of the election’s candidates who had gone to witness the printing of the ballot were on the same flight. They were Wilson Joseph representing James Michel of Parti Lepep, Robin Johnstone representing Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychelles National Party, Clifford André representing Patrick Pillay of Lalyans Seselwa, Paul Amesbury representing Alexia Amesbury of Seychelles Party for Social Justice and Democracy, Andre Figaro representing David Pierre of Popular Democratic Movement, and Gilbert Confiance representing independent candidate Philippe Boulle.

A total of 71,000 ballot papers have been printed for the 70,943 registered voters. This will allow for any papers that might get spoilt. There will be careful accounting for the papers to ensure complete transparency.

Sealed in the presence of the representatives during packaging, the ballot papers were transported under tight security to a secure place not disclosed. They will be under guard until polling day.

Speaking to the local media, Mr Gappy said the whole process went very well and representatives of all parties witnessed it.

“On the first day we arrived (in South Africa) we worked until late as we designed the ballot paper and also selected the official seal as well as other security features to ensure that they are safe and authentic. We also witnessed the preparation of the plates and the whole printing process, the destruction of plates and spoilt ballot papers upon completion of printing. On the same evening we witnessed the packaging of the ballot papers and all representatives were happy with the counting and they even participated in the counting. The representatives have also attached their official seal marks on the boxes to ensure that they are not compromised,” said Mr Gappy.

He added: “We also agreed that if additional ballot papers are to be printed for this election, it is only with the cooperation of all those who were in South Africa with me that we can request the printers to print them. I’m happy to say that there are no loose ballot papers. Today (yesterday) we are carrying with us 71,000 ballot papers only. Under police escort and accompanied by representatives of political parties we will take the ballot papers to a secure area until prior to election time.”

All the representatives Seychelles NATION spoke to were happy with the printing process saying it was done in a “transparent way”.

They added that everything to guarantee the transparency was done and the printers were very professional and they all worked together very well.

Based on lots drawn on Nomination Day, the Parti Lepep presidential candidate, incumbent President James Michel, appears at the top on the ballot paper, followed by Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles National Party, Patrick Pillay of Lalyans Seselwa, Alexia Amesbury of Seychelles Party for Social Justice and Democracy, David Pierre of Popular Democratic Movement, and independent candidate Philippe Boulle.

The paper also contains the name of each presidential candidate and the party they represent, followed by that party's and independent candidate's logo, the photo of the candidate and an empty box next to it in which the voters will put a mark to indicate which candidate they are voting for.

Voters are reminded that they should put only one mark in the box provided next to the candidate of their choice for the votes to be valid.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247541

Presidential election 2015

19-November-2015



Campaign programmes start tonight on SBC radio and TV

Campaign programmes in the run-up to the December 3-5 presidential election start today on Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) radio and television.

The programmes, which have been divided into three units of 26 minutes each, will begin at 7.30pm on SBC’s Radyo Sesel while on SBC TV they will be on as from 9pm.

This evening David Pierre of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) will be first to speak, followed by independent candidate Philippe Boullé.

Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychelles National Party (SNP) and Patrick Pillay of Lalyans Seselwa (LS) will present their programmes tomorrow Friday November 20, and Alexia Amesbury of the Seychelles Party for Social Justice and Democracy (SPSJD), and James Michel of Parti Lepep (PL) on Saturday November 21.

The other dates of campaign broadcasts are as follows: Monday November 23 (Mr Boulle and Mrs Amesbury), Tuesday November 24 (Mr Pierre and Mr Pillay), Wednesday November 25 (Mr Michel and Mr Ramkalawan).

The last segment of the 26-minute campaign programmes will take place as follows:  Friday November 27 (Mr Pierre and Mr Boulle), Saturday November 28 (Mr Ramkalawan and Mrs Amesbury) and Sunday November 29 (Mr Michel and Mr Pillay).

The campaign on radio and television will close on Tuesday December 1 with a 13-minute party political broadcast (PPB) by each candidate. Mr Michel will start first in the closing 13-minute PPB, followed by Mr Pillay, Mrs Amesbury, Mr Ramkalawan, Mr Pierre and Mr Boullé in that order.

Campaigning in general for the upcoming presidential election will be allowed up to 24 hours before the election is set to begin on December 3, 2015.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247537

Philippe Boulle intro TV PPB 1 for Broadcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX_fmjwvb7E&feature=youtu.be

Election watch: SNP shouts foul play

The party has accused James Michel of using state resources during his campaign.

http://seychellesweekly.com/November%2016,%202015/pol1aa_election_watch_snp.html

Presidential election 2015

20-November-2015
Campaign programmes continue tonight on SBC radio and TV

Tonight will be the turn of Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychelles National Party (SNP) and Patrick Pillay of Lalyans Seselwa (LS) to present their campaign programmes on SBC radio and television.

Alexia Amesbury of the Seychelles Party for Social Justice and Democracy (SPSJD), and James Michel of Parti Lepep (PL) will present theirs tomorrow, Saturday November 21.

These campaign programmes in the run-up to the December 3-5 presidential election have been divided into three units of 26 minutes each.

They begin at 7.30pm on SBC’s Radyo Sesel while on SBC TV they start at 9pm.

The other dates of campaign broadcasts are as follows: Monday November 23 (Mr Boulle and Mrs Amesbury), Tuesday November 24 (Mr Pierre and Mr Pillay), Wednesday November 25 (Mr Michel and Mr Ramkalawan).

The last segment of the 26-minute campaign programmes will take place as follows: Friday November 27 (Mr Pierre and Mr Boulle), Saturday November 28 (Mr Ramkalawan and Mrs Amesbury) and Sunday November 29 (Mr Michel and Mr Pillay).

The campaign on radio and television will close on Tuesday December 1 with a 13-minute party political broadcast (PPB) by each candidate. Mr Michel will start first in the closing 13-minute PPB, followed by Mr Pillay, Mrs Amesbury, Mr Ramkalawan, Mr Pierre and Mr Boullé in that order.

Campaigning in general for the upcoming presidential election will be allowed up to 24 hours before the election is set to begin on December 3, 2015.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247553

Presidential election 2015

21-November-2015
SPSJD and Parti Lepep candidates to present their programmes tonight on SBC radio and TV

Alexia Amesbury of the Seychelles Party for Social Justice and Democracy (SPSJD) and James Michel of Parti Lepep (PL) will present their first 26-minute campaign programmes tonight on SBC radio and television.

The candidates are entitled to three 26-minute campaign programmes on radio and television in the run-up to the December 3-5 presidential election.

These programmes begin at 7.30pm on SBC’s Radyo Sesel while on SBC TV they start at 9pm.

So far David Pierre of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), Independent candidate Philippe Boullé, Patrick Pillay of Lalyans Seselwa (LS) and Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychelles National Party (SNP) have presented their first 26-minute programme.

The second segments of the campaign broadcasts are as follows: Monday November 23 (Mr Boullé and Mrs Amesbury), Tuesday November 24 (Mr Pierre and Mr Pillay), Wednesday November 25 (Mr Michel and Mr Ramkalawan).

The last segment of the 26-minute campaign programmes will take place as follows: Friday November 27 (Mr Pierre and Mr Boullé), Saturday November 28 (Mr Ramkalawan and Mrs Amesbury) and Sunday November 29 (Mr Michel and Mr Pillay).

The campaign on radio and television will close on Tuesday December 1 with a 13-minute party political broadcast (PPB) by each candidate. Mr Michel will start first in the closing 13-minute PPB, followed by Mr Pillay, Mrs Amesbury, Mr Ramkalawan, Mr Pierre and Mr Boullé in that order.

Campaigning in general for the upcoming presidential election will be allowed up to 24 hours before the election is set to begin on December 3, 2015.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247578

Presidential election 2015

23-November-2015
Second segment of campaign programmes start tonight on SBC radio and TV

The second segment of the candidates’ 26-minute campaign broadcasts for the December 3-5, 2015 presidential election will be on radio and television starting tonight.

These programmes begin at 7.30pm on SBC’s Radyo Sesel while on SBC TV they start at 9pm.

Tonight’s programmes will feature independent candidate Philippe Boulle and Alexia Amesbury of the Seychelles Party for Social Justice and Democracy (SPSJD).

Tomorrow it will be the turn of David Pierre of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) and Patrick Pillay of the Lalyans Seselwa (LS) to present their programmes.

James Michel of Parti Lepep (PL) and Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychelles National Party (SNP) will present theirs on Wednesday November 25.

The third and last segment of the 26-minute campaign programmes will take place as follows: Friday November 27 (Mr Pierre and Mr Boullé), Saturday November 28 (Mr Ramkalawan and Mrs Amesbury) and Sunday November 29 (Mr Michel and Mr Pillay).

The campaign on radio and television will close on Tuesday December 1 with a 13-minute party political broadcast (PPB) by each candidate. Mr Michel will start first in the closing 13-minute PPB, followed by Mr Pillay, Mrs Amesbury, Mr Ramkalawan, Mr Pierre and Mr Boullé in that order.

Campaigning in general for the upcoming presidential election will be allowed up to 24 hours before the election is set to begin on December 3, 2015.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247590

Ceps invites candidates to share with it their programmes and manifestos

Mr Hoareau addressing the gathering during Ceps’ extraordinary general meeting on SaturdayThe Citizens Engagement Platform (Ceps) chairperson Jules Hoareau said three of the six political parties contesting the forthcoming presidential election have confirmed that they will meet members of the platform to share their programmes and answer pertinent questions.

In an extraordinary general meeting held on Saturday the chairperson of Ceps Jules Hoareau said Ceps board has invited the candidates as part of the work it is doing to engage citizens to discuss pertinent issues impacting directly on them.

“We have invited them to come and present to us their programmes and manifestos so that as citizens’ representatives we will have the opportunity to question them because we cannot ask them questions just by listening to them during their PPBs (political broadcasts),” Mr Hoareau explained.

“The candidates have to bear in mind that the plans and programmes they want to carry out if they are elected will have a direct impact on us citizens,” he added.

Mr Hoareau said so far three of the six political parties have confirmed their involvement in the discussions which is expected to be held on November 26 at 3pm at the Ceps meeting room at Orion Mall.

During the meeting on Saturday Mr Hoareau commended the work carried out by the Ceps board which he said has been very active during the past year.

Mr Hoareau presented his first chairperson’s report since Ceps replaced Lungos a year ago on November 8 and highlighted the platform’s achievements and challenges.

“The external environment for a new platform like Ceps remains a very challenging one where there have been many obstacles including tough fundraising climate and lack of resources,” Mr Hoareau said.

But he noted however that the platform has managed with the steadfast commitment of its members.

In terms of strategy Mr Hoareau said Ceps has achieved positive results where strengthening capacity of its board members is concerned and it has also worked to improve communication among members.
“With regard to citizens engagement Ceps has accomplished a lot in the 12 months of its existence,” Mr Hoareau pointed out.

He said at national level Ceps has engaged citizens in the national budget process, in health and social activities as well as youth mobilisation, in environment, democracy and human rights as well as gender issues.

On the international front Mr Hoareau said Ceps is also contributing toward the advancement of civil society in the region.

“But we have to enhance our role, visibility and image and as an organisation we must have in place a robust and more effective communication strategy and create a conducive environment that promotes sharing of ideas, skills and best practices among members,” Mr Hoareau said, noting that Ceps should also improve on the level of support it gives to its members.

“Ceps recognises the worthy contributions of its members through the work they do every day in the community. You are touching hearts and shaping lives thus the decision to create the Ceps Volunteers’ award,” Mr Hoareau said.

During the meeting on Saturday Joanna Pouponneau was elected Ceps commissioner for youth, sports and culture. She replaces Wavel Woodcock who recently resigned from the position.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247610

Presidential elections 2015

27-November-2015
Candidates and representatives explain manifestos to civil societies
Candidates for the forthcoming presidential election, or their representatives, yesterday met civil society organisations for a special dialogue to discuss their plans/manifestos they are proposing to the people of Seychelles.

The meeting was held at the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (Ceps) at Orion Mall. All parties taking part in the election were represented by either their candidate or representative and the session was moderated by bishops Denis Wiehe of the Roman Catholic Church and French Chang-Him of the Anglican Church.

All candidates and representatives talked on such main issues as the economy, tax, education, health, businesses, the media, just to name some. The presentations were followed by questions and answers.

The meeting forms part of Ceps’ active citizens engagement policy in the democratic process of Seychelles.

Both local and international observers were also present.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247643

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcQRm991gTg


http://www.kokiyaz.com/presidential-elections-2015.html

«SNP pou liber Sesel le 5 Desanm»


30-November-2015
«Lepep Seselwa in fatige avek diktatir ek viktimizasyon e le 5 Desanm nou pe al liber nou pei,» kandida prezidansyel Seychelles National Party (SNP) Msye Ramkalawan pe adres son bann siporterMsye Wavel Ramkalawan ti dir bann siporter sa parti yer pandan zot dernyen gran miting piblik ki ti fer lo laplenn Politeknik Anse Royale.

En gran lafoul siporter sorti partou lo Mahé ti mont Anse Royale yer pour sa gran randevou.

Msye Ramkalawan ti dir son bann siporter si ozordi in deside pour pran sa challenge e debout dan sa eleksyon se akoz in detrminen e i anvi vwar en sanzman.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247679

Eleksyon Prezidansyel 2015 : Rali Parti Lepep

30-November-2015
«Zot ti pe rod nou? La nou la !» Msye Michel i dir

Msye Michel pe adres son bann siporter lo Freedom Square yer apremidi«Zot ti pe rod nou? La nou la e ozordi nou’n penn lavil Victoria rouz. Mon vwar en losean rouz,» kandida Parti Lepep pour eleksyon prezidanseyl, James Michel, ti dir yer letan i ti pe adres siporter son parti dan Freedom Square.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247680

Eleksyon Prezidansyel 2015 : Rali Lalyans Seselwa

30-November-2015
Patrick Pillay i dir i pou devwal plis koripsyon letan i vin opouvwar
Msye Pillay pe adres son bann siporter pandan miting Sanmdi

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247677

Alexia Amesbury ends campaign on her home island

30-November-2015
Mrs Amesbury addressing her supporters at her Grand Anse Praslin residenceThe only female candidate contesting the forthcoming presidential election, Alexia Amesbury of the Seychellois Party for Social Justice and Democracy (SPSJD), decided to hold her last campaign meeting on her home island of Praslin.

The meeting was held at her residence at Grand Anse yesterday afternoon.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247676

dida endepandaKann i termin son kanpanny avek «bann ki’n ganny neglize»
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247675

avid PiDerre i termin son kanpanny dan distrik Mont Buxton


http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247674


Official launch of the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to the 2015 presidential elections

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247673

C’est quoi, avoir confiance en soi ?

30-November-2015
Là où règne force intérieure et confiance en soi, disparaisse méfiance, peur et doute », Dalai-Lama.

La confiance en soi naît de l’amour que l’on a pour soi. Ce n’est pas un héritage génétique. C’est une capacité qui s’enrichit de votre expérience et de votre chemin de vie.

S’aimer et s’accepter tel que l’on est, est un premier pas avant la confiance en soi. S’aimer signifie pouvoir aimer les autres. Ce cheminement permet de construire les bases d’un monde meilleur pour soi et pour les autres. Selon le psychothérapeute Nathaniel Branden, c’est avant tout une expérience. C’est percevoir que vous pouvez faire face aux défis de votre quotidien. C’est avoir confiance en votre capacité à penser, apprendre, faire des choix, prendre des décisions, vous adapter aux changements…

Et savoir que vous méritez le bonheur. Posséder cette confiance de base est une question de survie.

La confiance en soi n’est pas l’euphorie, ni l’illusion de bonheur que vous apporte ponctuellement l’usage d’une drogue, un compliment, une grosse voiture, une augmentation de salaire ou un nouvel amour. Elle ne vient pas de l’extérieur, ni de vos parents, ni de vos amis ou amants, ni d’un thérapeute ou d’un groupe de soutien. Celui qui vit consciemment se rend vite compte que la sensation de confiance apportée par l’extérieur est éphémère et guère satisfaisante.

Quand vous faites de votre mieux pour voir la réalité telle qu’elle est, votre estime de vous-même augmente, tout naturellement. A l’inverse, si par peur ou par désir vous cherchez à vous en échapper, vous sabotez votre confiance en vous. Un être humain ne peut compter sur lui-même que si, sur une longue durée, il fait face à sa propre réalité et à celle de la vie. L’intégrité est l’une des clés qui constituent notre confiance en nous.

La confiance en soi est un acte d’éveil, suivi d’une pratique quotidienne qui consiste à reconnaître qui nous sommes et ne sommes pas, et à être honnête sur ce que nous découvrons. Nous vous proposons la pratique des 6 clés de la confiance en soi.

1) La vie consciente
Respecter les faits, être présent à ce que l’on est en train d’accomplir, curieux et ouvert à ce qui nous entoure, nous intéresse, nous touche ou nous enrichit.

2) L’acceptation de soi
Se donner la permission et avoir le courage de s’approprier nos pensées, nos émotions et nos actions, sans s’en échapper, ni les nier ou les dénigrer.

3) La responsabilité de soi
Réaliser que nous sommes les créateurs de nos choix et actions, que nous sommes responsables de l’aboutissement de nos projets. Se poser la question : « Que faut-il faire ? », et non : « Qui faut-il blâmer ? ». Personne ne va venir nous sauver de notre vie.

4) L’affirmation de soi
Etre authentique dans nos rencontres, refuser de fausser la réalité de qui nous sommes pour éviter la désapprobation.

5) L’identification de nos objectifs
Discerner, à court et long terme, quelles sont les actions nécessaires ou les comportements adéquats pour atteindre nos buts. Vérifier chaque étape pour être sûr de rester dans le bon axe. Observer les résultats pour reconnaître ce qui a besoin de changer, puis s’ajuster.

6) L’intégrité personnelle
Vivre en harmonie entre ce que nous savons, ce que nous professons et ce que nous vivons. Dire la vérité, tenir nos engagements et montrer l’exemple pour les valeurs que nous admirons.
Retrouvez la suite de notre partage sur la confiance en soi dans nos publications de cette semaine.

Presidential election 2015

01-December-2015
Arid observers ready for deployment

A group of 20 election observers from the Association for Rights, Information and Democracy (Arid) have completed their training in election observation in collaboration with the electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA).

The workshop was run by Miguel De Brito and Robert Gerenge, both currently on an international election observation mission in Seychelles.

Arid is the second group of domestic observers to be accredited by the Election Commission ahead of the presidential election due to take place this week.

According to its chairperson, Lucianne Sophola, Arid will deploy observers in all electoral districts on the main polling day and also at special polling stations.

Some of the topics covered in the training programme were: understanding the electoral cycle, free, fair and transparent election, and the SADC (Southern African Development Community) principles on democratic election in the region and observation methodology.

Arid also talked about its preliminary report on the observation of the campaigning period until now. According to the report, the political situation is generally favourable and Seychelles is ready to hold presidential election.

Based on the observations made, citizens are highly engaged in the electoral process and most voters are aware of the voting procedures.

However according to Arid’s observation, there are some challenges that need to be addressed namely, proper code of conduct for all media houses and media practitioners and more comprehensive civic and voters’ education in the national media on the roles and responsibilities of voters.

According to the report there were some isolated incidents relating to unfair and intimidating conduct of some party activists and cases of disfiguring and vandalism of candidates’ posters involving all political parties.

Arid is calling on all citizens, party activists and voters in general to maintain tolerance, exercise respect and harmony during and after the election.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247701

AU sends mission to observe December 3-5 presidential polls

01-December-2015
Following an invitation from the government of Seychelles, the chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has deployed an African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) to Seychelles to observe the presidential election set for December 3-5, 2015.

The AUEOM is led by Julie Dolly Joiner, former commissioner for political affairs of the African Union and comprises 17 short-term observers drawn from 14 African countries, representing the African ambassadors accredited to the African Union, members of the Pan-African Parliament, election management bodies and civil society organisations.

The mission arrived on November 26, 2015 and will remain in the country until December 10, 2015.

The AUEOM’s mandate is derived from the 2007 African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance; the 2002 AU/OAU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa; and the 2002 AU Guidelines for Elections Observation and Monitoring Missions.

The assessment and observations of the mission will be impartial and objective, informed by the principles and guidelines stipulated in the aforementioned standards as well as the legal framework for elections in Seychelles.

The AUEOM will issue a statement of its preliminary assessment of the elections on December 7 at a press conference at the Savoy Resort & Spa at Beau Vallon. The African Union will continue to follow the electoral process to its conclusion and will release a final and comprehensive report within two months after the end of the process.

Source Seychelles Nation

01-December-2015
PPBs to wrap up campaigning on radio and TV
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247704

Campaigning on radio and television for the December 3-5 presidential election come to an end this evening with candidates presenting their final party political broadcast (PPB).

Each candidate will have a 13-minute programme with James Michel of Parti Lepep starting first, followed by Patrick Pillay of Lalyans Seselwa, Alexia Amesbury of the Seychelles Party for Social Justice and Democracy, Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychelles National Party, David Pierre of the Popular Democratic Movement and independent candidate Philippe Boullé.

The PPBs on Radyo Sesel start at 7.30pm while on SBC television they will start at 9pm.

Campaigning in general for the upcoming presidential election will be allowed up to 24 hours before the election is set to begin on Thursday December 3, 2015.

The photos are in the order in which the candidates will present their closing PPB tonight on Radyo Sesel and SBC television.

01-December-2015
Candidates make final push to impress voters

Two days before Seychellois voters go to the polls to choose a president to run the country for the next five years, Seychelles NATION presents its readers interviews with all the candidates, except for independent candidate Philippe Boulle who did not want to answer our questions.

This is perhaps the last opportunity for the candidates in the crowded presidential field to try to make an impression on voters and raise their profile in the polls.
The presidential election will take place from December 3-5.

Seeking a third mandate, President James Michel of Parti Lepep (PL) is being challenged by David Pierre of Popular Democratic Party (PDM), Patrick Pillay of Lalyans Seselwa (LS), Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles National Party (SNP), Alexia Amesbury of Seychelles Party for Social Justice and Democracy (SPSJD) and independent candidate Philippe Boulle.

The interviews follow the order in which the candidates appear on the ballot paper.


Parti Lepep presidential candidate James Michel
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247690

Popular Democratic Movement presidential candidate David Pierre
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247689

Lalyans Seselwa presidential candidate Patrick Pillay
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247688

Seychelles Party for Social Justice and Democracy presidential candidate Alexia Amesbury
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247687

Seychelles National Party (SNP) presidential candidate Wavel Ramkalawan
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247686


LeMO Biografie Helmut Schmidt - We are posting these Seychelles 2015 election last day from Hambourg - we address all the politicians and those reading - how the vast majority have used and abused the information of that SIROP program for their own personal gain - We had supported Mr J A Michel in the last presidential and then world situation - how he use and abused the information for his personal gain and popularity. The world situation is far worse than then last Presidential election - all we require error of judgement form the Russian or other parties and the world will be on fire. Very unlike president FA Rene who admittedly use the information to syndicate his global business - he was very aware to be in the syndicate what is required - his active commitments. which President J A Michel has failed.

Those who completely distorted how Seychelles was changed  what brought about many important Democratic process in that nation and the region. One of the paramount reason the world and humanity is on the verge of destruction.

I decided to visit Vienna and the pictures I -we took by the Russian Monument, the French Embassy, 2013-4 there was not indication there would be a Ukraine Russian major crises what ensued after my visit to Vienna.

We had been invited to Berlin every reason to go there meet some of the officials and other we did not - the ruthless abuse of that SIROP program information what and where we are heading.

https://www.hdg.de/lemo/biografie/helmut-schmidt.html

http://www.welt.de/themen/helmut-schmidt/

http://www.stern.de/politik/deutschland/themen/helmut-schmidt-4539736.html

‘It is important to have an informed debate on the subject of debt’

01-December-2015
I refer to various broadcasts by presidential candidates on the subject of the possibility of cancelling what has been referred to as 'odious' debt, as well as letters referring to this that have appeared in local publications.

It is expected that as part of the presidential election campaign, various candidates put forward proposals on how they would manage the country's debt, but as Minister for Finance, I believe it is important that the debate is one which is based on practical proposals that are realistic options for Seychelles, based on our current debt situation.

It is important that certain clarifications are provided through the local media, as the debate has often been misleading, and it is essential that there is also space for an informed debate around the subject outside of the political campaigns. I thank the local media for also facilitating this debate outside of the PPBs.

The proposal to address Seychelles' debt as an 'odious debt' refers to the example of Greece as a practical example of debt cancellation based on a new government arguing that it is not liable to debt that has been taken on by a previous government. The reality of the example used is that it remains a proposal which was rejected. It has never been implemented, and which was in fact soundly rejected by the Troika of parties that was dealing with Greece's debt (The EU, the IMF and the European Central Bank- ECB).

The type of debt cancellation proposed through the 'odious debt' concept has never been agreed to by any international financing institution, nor by any sovereign creditor, and remains the preserve of discussion among politicians, academia and observers of Greece's bailout.

There are generally two ways in which sovereign debt reduction or cancellation can be achieved.

One is in the event of a sovereign default or impending default as was the case of Greece in 2013 and 2015. This is also what happened to Seychelles in 2008, and Seychelles made an appeal to the Paris Club of creditors, whereby it made a request for debt restructuring in 2009. As part of the restructuring, the Paris Club granted Seychelles a 45% haircut – whereby 45% of its debt was written off in return for the implementation of its structural reforms already endorsed by the IMF. These reforms were based on what was necessary, but also to ensure that the economy achieved a solid platform for growth, while safeguarding our social investments.

When Greece was facing default as a result of the European economic crisis in 2013 it appealed to the EU and its major creditors and was granted a 55% haircut in return for implementing austerity measures that would allow it to re-balance its budget.

Following the election of the Syriza government, they endeavoured to get further debt reductions as part of negotiations in 2015. While some politicians referred to 'odious debt', the actual proposal that was considered was not taking this consideration into account. While the term of the debt was lengthened and there were some other structural amendments, Greece's creditors were adamant that no further debt reduction was possible, and cancellation was never a seriously considered proposition (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33503955).

The second option for debt restructuring or cancellation is as a development mechanism. This is covered mainly under the HIPC initiative whereby 'Highly Indebted Poor Countries' (HIPC) were granted debt forgiveness usually by their former colonisers as part of a development acceleration mechanism. In no cases was the entirety of the debt written off on the basis of the governments of the day not being considered responsible for previous debt obligations. Variations on this type of debt transaction are covered by debt for nature swaps, where an amount of debt may be forgiven in return for a commitment towards nature conservation. Seychelles has recently concluded a debt for climate change adaptation 'buy back' as part of which it received a further 5% write-off in relation to a portion of its sovereign debt.

Another example worth considering is that of Ecuador in 2008, which voluntarily defaulted on its sovereign debt, as a means to restructure its debt on more favourable terms. While the newly elected President of Ecuador had argued at that time that the government was not responsible for the debts of its predecessors, it nonetheless was unable to achieve a write off – in fact it rather engineered a debt buy back, whereby it used its oil revenues to re-purchase its debt at a sizeable discount.

There is no precedent since the advent of the Bretton Woods institutions for a debt cancellation based on the argument that a newly elected government is not liable to the debt of its predecessor. A basic principle of sovereign debt is that of continuity.

It should be recalled that while presidential candidates may question as part of their democratic right, the way in which previous debt has been invested, this debt has been already rescheduled twice by a democratically elected government.

The Seychelles government has been very proactive already in negotiating the best possible outcomes with regard to reducing its debt and rescheduling it on the most advantageous terms.

If a new government were to repudiate its remaining debt through a voluntary default, (which the 'odious debt' concept infers), this would be tantamount to putting all development which is currently financed by concessional external financing on hold. This would include projects for investing in upgrading our electricity network, upgrading our sewerage infrastructure as well as new primary, secondary and post-secondary schools, as well as lines of credit to be made available for financing of small businesses.

There is also a risk to the stability of our currency, as a default incentivises capital flight as it will be a clear message that Seychelles will not honour its debts.

Our level of debt today stands at 63% of GDP, compared to over 175% of GDP in 2008. It is important that these facts are considered in their entirety in the interests of giving Seychellois correct information about debt scenarios.


Jean-Paul Adam
Minister for Finance, Trade and the Blue Economy

Source Seychelles Nation

Open letter: ‘My right to vote’

02-December-2015
About ten days ago I was shocked and extremely disappointed to learn that my name had been removed from the electoral register of voters at Mont Fleuri, disenfranchised  - in other words.   I also discovered that my daughter, who does not reside in Seychelles and has not voted since 2002/3, is still on the voters’ register, as she should be.

I immediately queried this at the offices of the Electoral Commission and was given various polite but vague answers as follows:

1.    The fact that I had not voted at the last elections (nor did my daughter and so many other people)

2.    That maybe I was not present at the last census (like my daughter and so many other people)

3.    That I should have checked my registration on the electoral roll since earlier this year (thousands didn’t) and….

4.    We have no idea why your name was removed, who removed it and how they managed to do this – ????

5.    Don’t be too upset, there are about ONE HUNDRED (and others?) people in the same situation – ????

6.    We can do nothing to rectify our mistake, so you will be allowed to vote in these elections – ????

The Constitution states the following:

5.         (1) Every  citizen of Seychelles entitled to be registered as a voter for registration under article 114 of the Constitution shall, if the citizen resides in an electoral area, be registered as a voter in that electoral area unless the citizen                                                                                                                                                                            
(a) is disqualified from registering as a voter under this Act or any other written law;

(b) is under any written law, adjudged or otherwise declared to be of unsound mind or detained as a criminal lunatic or at the pleasure of the President;

(c) is serving a sentence of imprisonment of or exceeding six months imposed by a court in Seychelles……………..

It also states that…….

(4) The Chief Registration Officer may, on information referred to in subsection (2) , revise not less than once in each year the registers prepared under subsection (1)  for the purposes of ……..
…………….(d) deleting the name and other particulars of a person not qualified to be entered as a registered voter………….

So, let us get this straight…

•    The Electoral Commission reminds me in all official languages that ‘Vote i ou drwa e ou devwar’ but have arbitrarily and unconstitutionally removed my name from the register of voters

•    It has suddenly become MY fault that my name is not present

•    No-one (at the Electoral Commission) appears to be the least bit concerned that I (and others) have been deprived of this most fundamental right as a citizen and

•    NO effort will be made to change this miscarriage of justice for me (and how many other voters?)

I have argued and discussed this with the Electoral Commission staff and many others suggesting that in such a small country, surely some form of supplementary list could be published, for all parties and polling stations, in a transparent way, that would allow me (and the other disenfranchised voters) to exercise my right to vote. But they said NO.

However, I was very happy to learn (Nation 27th November) that this has indeed been done for 44 Seychellois voters. That fact has prompted me to write this letter. I am aware of the differences in our circumstances but the principle is the same.  

The Electoral Commission cannot disenfranchise citizens

So, Mr Gappy and Mr Morin, can you at least try and correct this incredible anomaly?

Presidential Candidates – Mr Michel, Mr Pierre, Mr Pillay, Mr Ramkalawan, Ms Amesbury, Mr Boulle - are you aware of this miscarriage of justice? And of how many citizens/voters are involved?  Do we just roll over and let our constitutional right be taken from us?  

Of course, I could have checked that my name was on the Mont Fleuri register but why should I (or others) assume that the Electoral Commission would (or even could) remove my name from the register of voters? Why would I suspect or assume sloppy procedures or even possible malfeasance in an organisation which has been established to PROTECT my right to vote?
After all….. I am a citizen of Seychelles and have previously voted in legislative and presidential elections;

I have always been registered as living in the same electoral area;

I have never been declared to be of unsound mind, nor detained as a criminal lunatic;

I have never been to prison;

I am not dead.

Who took my name off?  Why was it taken off? When was this done? How was it allowed to happen?

I will be in front of the National Library at 9am tomorrow Thursday 3rd December – anyone else who has lost their right to vote is welcome to join me in the hope that someone, somewhere can do something to help us regain our right to vote.  

Thank you for respecting our constitutional rights,

Michelle de Lacoudraye-Harter

Source Seychelles Nation

Saturday December 5 is a public holiday

02-December-2015
President James Michel has, by proclamation in the Official Gazette, and in accordance with Section 5 of the Public Holidays Act, declared Saturday December 5, 2015 as a public holiday.

This will ease voting in the presidential election on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue on that day.

Voters working on outlying islands will start going to the polls tomorrow and on Friday December 4. The main polling day is Saturday December 5.

Philippe Boulle 5 for TV Broadcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrTlOZHaByo

Commonwealth mission to observe December 3-5 presidential election

02-December-2015
A Commonwealth team is in the country to observe the activities before, during and after the December 3-5 presidential election.

The observer group comprises nine eminent persons drawn from across the different regions of the Commonwealth, including Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

Led by Lord Sevele, former Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, the Commonwealth observer group met the press yesterday at the Savoy Resort and Spa to explain their mission in Seychelles.

The group was constituted following an invitation extended by the Electoral Commission of Seychelles.

The group which includes experts in law, politics, elections, media, gender and human rights, arrived on Saturday and will stay in Seychelles until December 10, 2015.

“These are significant elections for the people of Seychelles. Our presence here affirms the Commonwealth’s support to the people of Seychelles and the country’s democratic processes,” noted Lord Sevele.

He explained that an advance team arrived in the country on November 15 to take stock of the pre-election preparations and environment and met a wide range of stakeholders.

The wider group arrived last Saturday and began briefings on Sunday November 29 when it met the Electoral Commission of Seychelles.

“We have also met members of civil society organisations and expect to meet a wide range of stakeholders including political parties, Commonwealth high commissioners, and other international and citizen observer groups. The group has also observed a number of rallies,” stated Lord Sevele.

What is the role of the Commonwealth observers during election time and what is the outcome of such a visit? This is a question asked quite often by locals. For all presidential elections, the Commonwealth sends a group of observers in Commonwealth countries and they consider the pre-election, election day, and the immediate post-election day environments.
On election day, the group will observe the voting process, vote-counting procedures and the announcement of results, and assess these processes against the backdrop of international standards for democratic elections to which Seychelles is committed.

As with all Commonwealth observer groups, this mission functions with impartiality and independence, and will be guided by the standards enunciated in the International Declaration of Principles for Election Observation, to which the Commonwealth is a signatory.

Lord Sevele assured the press that “during the polling days, members of the group will visit all 25 areas. They will be in small teams and will observe preparations ahead of polling day. During the polling period they will observe opening, voting and closing of polling stations including the results management process. We will issue an interim statement on our preliminary findings on Monday December 7 and a final report will be prepared and submitted to the secretary general and subsequently shared with relevant stakeholders and the public. The success of this election depends on every stakeholder playing their part in a peaceful, inclusive and transparent manner. We have every confidence in the people of Seychelles to achieve that.”

The members of the Commonwealth Observer group are Lord Sevele, former Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Tonga; Alvin Smith, former Speaker of the House of Assembly, and Vice-President of the Senate, The Bahamas; Mahendra Ved, Vice-President, Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) and chairperson, CJA India Chapter; Jane Michuki, former chairperson, Institute for Education in Democracy and Advocate of the High Court of Kenya; Susana Faletau, former chief executive of the Ministry of Justice, Tonga; Mark Ramkerrysingh, commissioner, Elections and Boundaries Commission, Trinidad and Tobago; and Deborah Ossiya, Gender, Human Rights and Governance Specialist, Uganda.

The advance team is made up of Priscilla Isaac, director, Electoral Commission of Zambia and Kenneth Abotsi, Peace and Security Expert, Ghana.

The Commonwealth secretariat staff support team is led by Martin Kasirye, adviser and head, Electoral Support Section, Political Division.

The previous reports on the elections in Seychelles can be found at www.thecommonwealth.org

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247720

TOP 13 MOST INFAMOUS LIES OF THE PRESIDENT


1) 5000 houses to be built in 5 years-1000 per year, the man promised back in 2006. He lied! At that time, he held the portfolio of Finance Minister and knew that the country did not have the capital to embark on such a massive project in the space of 5 short years. To date, more than 9 years since that statement was made, even a mere 1500 houses at Perserverance have not yet been completed.

2) IMF, the monster, which will make Seychellois live “dan la mizer fernwar” is never going to be invited in Seychelles, the man promised. He even claimed in 2006, weeks before the Presidential elections, that if the opposition coalition (SNP/DP) came to power, they are the ones who will invite the IMF on Seychelles soil. He lied, of course! Just two years after winning the election, he was the one who begged the IMF to come to save his…you know what, after he had almost singlehandedly bankrupted the nation.

3) IMF will be in Seychelles for ONLY 3 years (2009 to 2012) and then it will go back to where it came from, the man promised. He lied! Today, in 2015, IMF is still here and looks certain to be here for a very long time indeed!

4) The Seychelles rupee will never be devalued, the man promised. He lied! Today, the rupee has lost 80% to over 100% in value against the major hard currencies!

5) With the IMF assisted reform program, no worker in the civil service will lose his/her job, the man promised. He lied! Shortly afterwards, over 5000 civil service workers either lost their job or were forced to resign!

6) In an interview with Marie Claire Elizabeth on SBC, prior to the IMF intervention, the man claimed that Seychelles had paid up all its debt and owed nothing to anyone. He lied! The nation later learned that not only had our debt in the space of 4 years almost tripled, but we had been unable to fulfil our repayment obligation because the country had no money to do so.

7) The excess tax revenue derived from the increase road license of one rupee per CC will be used to repair the roads, the man promised. He lied! Because today, not only are most roads in a deplorable state, with more pot holes in them than a million colanders put together, but the excess tax revenues collected are being channelled for other purposes unrelated to road repairs!

GST will be in place for 2-3 years only, the man promised. He lied! Not only did GST survive for almost a decade, but was actually increased from 12% to 15%. It has now metamorphosed into VAT of 15% and obviously here to stay.

9) I will put all “Escobars”big time drug traffickers) behind bars, the man promised. He lied! Today, all the “Escobars” are free and enjoying their ill gotten gains freely and peacefully. It is even alleged that certain of them have state protection. The “escobars” business concerns keep increasing day by day and consequently their ill gotten money gets easier to launder. It sometimes baffled the imagination to see how easy it is for the “escobars” to get license and planning permission to start a new business. This is in sharp contrast to the bona fide businessmen who most of the time finds the going through SLA and planning authority a really tough road to travel, with several impediments that they have to overcome before they can start their respective business. Those that are behind bars serving time today are the small time traffickers and pushers, dubbed the “pti makanbale and pti ziblo” by a well known Catholic Priest.

10) There will be no increase in electricity and water tariffs under my charge, the man promised. He lied! Since then, there have been more increases in utility tariff than the number of times a cock crows at dawn.

11) In 2006, shortly after coming off an oil research vessel and wearing a yellow helmet, the man promised that in two short years (2008) Seychellois pockets will be filled with petro dollars. He lied of course! Not only was that promise the stupidest one ever made( Assuming that Seychelles at that time had discovered oil, which, incidentally, it has not up until now), because after oil is found offshore, it takes up to 5 years before the product can be commercially viable. The only person or persons whose pockets are filled with dollars now are those who sucked up to wealthy Arabs, Russians and South Africans. And who have secret offshore accounts to off load all their gains into them, as a way to escape the scrutiny of the poor members of society.

12) Shares in government owned banks will be sold to the public, the man promised. He lied! To date, government is still the major shareholder in all its banks.

13) No air Seychelles employee will ever lose his/her job under my charge, the man promised. He lied! A few weeks later, close to 300 Air Seychelles employees lost their jobs.


We will not mention the funniest of them all that corruption is only a perception. There are also several other lies the man has uttered during the last eleven years. So many that he could easily be a top contender for “ The World’s Top Liar” award.

http://seychellesvoice.blogspot.de/2015/12/top-13-most-infamous-lies-of-president.html

Minister clarifies transfer of US $50m in 2002

03-December-2015
I would like to refer to the recent comments made by Vice-President Danny Faure in response to the accusations leveled against the government by opposition parties relating to the transfer of US $50 million in 2002.

The vice-president clarified through his comments that the US $50 million was a grant negotiated by President Albert Rene at the time with the leadership of the UAE, and which was received into the Central Bank of Seychelles and then transferred into an account held by the Seychelles Marketing Board at Bank of Baroda, in London.

The vice-president’s statement is fully consistent with the statement I made in October to the Finance and Public Accounts Committee, despite inferences to the contrary in some publications quoting opposition politicians.

I quote an extract of my statement before the committee on October 26:

“We can confirm that a donation of US $50 million was received at the Central Bank on September 30, 2002 representing a personal donation made by HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, after the government had appealed for assistance due to the acute shortage of foreign exchange which the country was experiencing at that time.

“It should be recalled that at that time, also because of the foreign exchange challenges, it was common for many businesses and also state-owned enterprises to have accounts overseas, either to facilitate their business relationship in general or to facilitate imports.

“In this case, the US $50 million was then transferred into the Seychelles Marketing Board’s Account at the Bank of Baroda in London on October 4, 2002. This transfer was done once the necessary approvals had been sought from the foreign exchange committee housed within the Central Bank at that time – which ensured that all foreign currency transfers were done in accordance with the rules and policies governing foreign exchange at that time.

“This grant was intended for the repayment of SMB’s accumulated arrears and debts with several suppliers, as well as ongoing import bills of commodities, including the payment of some fuel shipments on behalf of Seypec and the payment of some arrears with regard to reclamation works undertaken for national projects.

“Full details of the account are unfortunately not available as the Bank of Baroda in London has informed us that they are required to retain records for a period of five years only under UK law.

While this creates significant difficulty in getting details of this account, the Ministry of Finance will however continue to examine means by which the records could be sourced in the spirit of ensuring full accountability.

“It should be noted however that the time elapsed since the events have occurred have posed a significant challenge to get information to the standard required by our existing legislation.

“The central premise of the allegation – that funds destined for the use by the government as a grant have been illegally transferred to a third party account however are unfounded.”

As indicated in the above extract, the issue of records is related to the payments subsequently made from the account, and not the transfer to the account itself.

Opposition politicians have claimed that the payments were not made in accordance to the right Constitutional provisions. However, the funds were transferred into the Central Bank, and then subsequently to an account owned by a government entity held overseas – a situation which was common at the time due to foreign exchange concerns.

In the case of this specific transfer, the approval was also conveyed by the Foreign Exchange Controller, who was no other than Ahmed Afif, who has been one of the persons now making these accusations.

Even though those making the claims of malpractice obviously condoned it at the time.

The government has endeavoured to get the details related to this account, but regrettably they are unavailable for the reasons already outlined.

It is obvious that due to our sustained efforts and reforms, the budgetary and financial reporting standards in force today would have provided much more clarity, if they were in force 12 years ago.

It appears that the government’s accusers consider that the absence of the required information is sufficient to infer that corruption took place.

Should additional information be provided that merit consideration, the government shall take action. But we should not consider the repetition of claims without substantiation as a useful part of an informed debate to actually address corruption – whether it be in the past, or in the future.

I thank you for giving consideration to this clarification.

Jean-Paul Adam
Minister for Finance, Trade and the Blue Economy

Source Seychelles Nation

Comment - We have been following this topic for sometime - the former Governor of Central Bank explanation and those who know-knew otherwise. We were involved - contributed that the UAE gave this donation then President FA Rene and what the issues were for the real greater transaction at the time and Seychelles had helped those form the UAE. Hence our writing we in Seychelles suffer from intellectual constipation. Time and time again we have lent to driving major world deals, large finance projects and the so call thank you we get -Seychelles get is pin head. In Mauritius there are world Agency body reviewing some of the changes against the Rawat and Ramgoolam - they ought to have the capacity to investigate such issues - safe the utter corrupted global benchmark and those who know if you have resources to manipulate you can and will get away with terrible things. Then what the so call world media writes.

Sifco prays for peace on eve of presidential election

03-December-2015
The Seychelles Inter-Faith Council (Sifco) organised a religious service yesterday on the eve of the presidential election which starts today.Bishop Wiehe conducting the service yesterday

The service, which took place yesterday afternoon at the Seychelles Trading Company’s (STC) conference room, was attended by some candidates taking part in the December 3-5 election, Electoral Commission members, among other stakeholders and members of the public.

The chairman of Sifco, Bishop Denis Wiehe, said the aim of the service was to bring peace and harmony to the community.

“We have worked closely with the Electoral Commission to bring that stability and peace among all of us during the election period,” he said.

He added that many people are working hard so that this election can be done in peace, and bring stability to the country.

“No electoral campaign around the world is perfect, but Seychelles during the campaign has shown that our nation can conduct itself in a peaceful manner.

We need to thank the Lord that everything went well during the campaign,” Bishop Wiehe added.

Bishop Wiehe said that prayer can make this election peaceful, honourable and that everyone should respect the outcome of the election.

This religious service was an opportunity for all citizens to pray for the candidates, their political parties, the Electoral Commission and all officers mandated to monitor the elections.

They also prayed for peace, harmony and mutual respect among all voters, whatever their political affiliation.

Finally they prayed that the presidential election 2015 is a major step forward towards greater political and democratic maturity in the history of our country.

Sifco is made up of representatives from the following churches and religious bodies: Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Islamic Centre for Information and Guidance, Hindu Council of Seychelles, Orthodox Church, Baha’i Faith, Zorcastrian Faith, Seychelles Buddhist Association, Seychelles Evangelical Alliance.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247728

Restriction on sale of alcohol on polling day

03-December-2015
The Seychelles Licensing Authority (SLA), in collaboration with the Seychelles Police and the Electoral Commission, has imposed restriction on the sale of alcohol by licensed vendors on election day.

The restriction will be effective from 11pm tomorrow, Friday December 4, until 8.30am on Sunday December 6 on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

This was announced yesterday during a joint press conference with the deputy chief executive of SLA Franky Madeleine and the public relations and communications manager of the Seychelles Police, Jean Toussaint, at the SLA headquarters on 5th June Avenue.

Mr Madeleine said the restriction applies to shopkeepers, operators of public bars including toddy, lapire and baka bars, dance halls, discotheques and members’ clubs.

He said the measure is to help in the orderly conduct of the presidential election on the main polling day on Saturday December 5.

Mr Madeleine said licensing inspectors together with the police will be monitoring things to make sure these licensed premises are respecting the restriction imposed for that day.

If any licensed operators breach the restriction they will have their license suspended or revoked, Mr Madeleine said.

On the other hand, bona fide clients of hotels can consume alcohol but only on their hotel premises. They are not allowed to bring them outside to drink. However, this does not apply to any member of the public who wishes to consume alcohol in a public bar in a hotel.

For his part, Mr Toussaint has reminded the public that there will be a significant police presence during the period of the presidential election.

Apart from the restriction that will be imposed, he said, there is also the aspect of consuming alcohol in public places which is also an offence.

He said apart from policing those public bars to make sure they are complying with the restriction imposed, the police will also make sure there are no other offences that are being committed in relation to alcohol consumption.

“Therefore, the police are appealing to licensees and members of the public for their help and cooperation,” Mr Toussaint said.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247726

Michel, Ramkalawan in run-off

07-December-2015
Seychellois voters have set the stage for a historic and bruising presidential run-off later this month after none of the six candidates could pull off the 50% plus one vote for an outright majority in the first round on Saturday.

This is the first time since the return of multi-party democracy in Seychelles in 1993 that the presidential election goes into a second round and the people will now have to decide between two candidates – Parti Lepep’s James Michel and Seychelles National Party’s Wavel Ramkalawan – who secured the most votes in the December 3-5 first round.

As the second round has to take place between seven and 14 days after the first, the Electoral Commission has said Seychellois who are eligible to vote will be called upon again to choose between incumbent President Michel and long-time rival Ramkalawan in the second round from December 16-18.

It was close to 5am that Electoral Commission chairman Hendrick Gappy announced the results at the commission headquarters at the National Library in the presence of four of the six candidates – Mr Michel, Mr Ramkalawan, Patrick Pillay of Lalyans Seselwa and Alexia Amesbury of the Seychelles Party for Social Justice and Democracy.

David Pierre of the Popular Democratic Movement and independent candidate Philippe Boullé were absent.

Also present were members of the diplomatic community in Seychelles, representatives of the observer missions and religious leaders.

Out of the 70,943 eligible voters, there were a total of 62,004 votes cast among which 60,538 were valid votes and 1,466 rejected ballots. The voter turnout was 87.4%.

Incumbent President, 71-year-old Michel who won 28,911 votes (47.76%), said the result showed that Parti Lepep is still dominant.

“We got more votes than any other party. We missed by only two percent. We are ready for the second round,” said Mr Michel.

Mr Michel’s closest challenger was 54-year-old Anglican priest Ramkalawan who scored 21,391 votes (35.33%).

Mr Ramkalawan thanked the other opposition parties and his voters for helping force a second round for the first time ever and said “with 52.23% of the votes the opposition has more supporters”.
He added: “Michel, we will come after you as the army of the opposition.”

Mr Michel scored more than 50% in seven out of the 25 districts with the highest score of 68.40% (1,186 out of a possible 1,734) coming from the inner islands. The other six districts where he won more than 50% are Baie Ste Anne (57.51%), Cascade (53.12%), Grand Anse Praslin (50.83%), Pointe Larue (52.38%), Roche Caïman (52.78%) and Takamaka (53.16%).

This is 17 districts less than in 2011 when he won all but two districts to total 31,966 votes (55.46%) to be re-elected President for a second five-year term. Mr Michel’s poorest score was registered in St Louis with 877 votes (40.21%) out of a possible 1,683 votes.

As for Mr Ramkalawan, he also got fewer votes than in 2011 when he totalled 23,878 (41.43%) and after scoring more than 50% once then – 53.10% at St Louis – he did not go over the 50% margin this time as his best percentage score was 46.86% again at St Louis after he amassed 1,022 of a possible 1,683 votes. He also beat Mr Michel in Beau Vallon 43.15% to 41.23%.

Mr Ramkalawan’s lowest score was from the inner islands – 398 votes out of a possible 1,734 (22.95%).

The margin between Mr Michel and Mr Ramkalawan is 7,520 votes – 568 less than in 2011 when the former beat the latter by 8,088 votes (31,966 against 23,878).

The scores of the other four candidates in the first round are as follows: Mr Pillay (8,593 votes for 14.19%), Mrs Amesbury (832 votes for 1.37%), Mr Boullé (411 votes for 0.68%) and Mr Pierre (400 votes for 0.66%).

Mr Pillay, a former minister and ambassador in the Parti Lepep government, lawyer Amesbury, the first female presidential candidate in the history of Seychelles, and Mr Pierre, the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, were running for the presidency for the first time.

Of the three new entrants, Mr Pillay has surely drawn away more support from the two main parties – Parti Lepep and Seychelles National Party – with his score of 8,593 votes (14.19%).
Dividing Mr Pillay’s percentage into two and giving those to the two main parties would mean a win for Parti Lepep with a score of 54.85% and the Seychelles National Party would have finished with 42.42%.

This was Mr Boullé’s fourth unsuccessful bid in a presidential election as an independent candidate and his score dropped from 956 in 2011 to 411 this year, while Mr Pierre is the biggest loser with just 400 votes to finish last in the race involving six candidates.

The accompanying table shows the results district by district.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247765


Elections présidentielles 2015 :

07-December-2015
Deuxième tour historique !

Pour la première fois dans l’histoire politique des Seychelles, deux candidats disputeront un deuxième tour aux élections présidentielles.

Le candidat de Parti Lepep James Michel et celui du Parti National Seychellois (SNP) Wavel Ramkalawan se retrouveront face à face le 16, 17 et 18 décembre prochain pour un deuxième tour, après être sortis premier et deuxième respectivement dans le scrutin tenu du 3 au 5 décembre.

Les Seychellois ont attendu jusqu’à 4 heures 45 hier matin pour attendre le nom du président élu. Hélas, aucun des six candidats en lisse n’a pu obtenir les plus de 50% nécessaires pour être élu au premier tour.

Avec 47,76% ou un total de 28 911 voies sur les 62 004 exprimés, le président sortant James Michel n’a pu délivrer le KO direct promis à ses adversaires. M. Ramkalawan a donc récolté 35,33% des voies exprimés, soient un total de 21 391. Du coup, les plus de 8 000 bulletins manquant au Parti Lepep semblent donc allés au parti dissident de celui-ci ; l’Alliance Seychellois de M. Patrick Pillay en existence depuis quelques mois seulement et qui arrive en troisième position avec 14,19%, soit 8 593 de votes.

Les trois autres candidats ont dans l’ensemble contribué 1 643 voies, soit 2.71% au total de l’opposition. Alexia Amesbury du Parti pour la Justice Social et la Démocratie (SPSJD) – 832 et 1.37%, Philippe Boullé candidat indépendant – 411 et 0.68% et David Pierre du Mouvement Démocratie Populaire (PDM) – 400 et 0.66%.

M. Michel qui a remercié les observateurs internationaux pour ces élections qu’il dit se sont déroulées dans la paix et qui prouve la maturité du peuple seychellois, a aussi remercié ses supporters et membres de son partie pour avoir travaillé très dur, et ceux qui ont mis leur confiance en lui et l’ont voté en tête comparé aux autres candidats. Il s’est dit prêt pour le deuxième tour où son parti assure de faire mieux.

« Parti Lepep représente la plus grande force politique dans le pays malgré manquer 2% pour être réélu au premier tour. Nous avons eu plus de vote que les autres partis. Nous sommes prêts pour le deuxième tour et assurer de faire mieux qu’au premier. Avant, nous étions face à plusieurs opposants, maintenant nous allons faire face à un opposant. Je demande à mes supporters de rester calmes et de travailler pour ce deuxième tour », a-t-il dit.

Les désormais trois autres principales figures de l’opposition ont dit qu’elles vont se rallier derrière M. Ramkalawan et vont travailler ensemble pour le deuxième tour. Nous partageons avec vous leurs différentes réactions après l’annonce des résultats hier matin.

M. Ramkalawan : « Je voudrais remercier l’électorat pour avoir voter pour l’opposition. L’opposition est plus forte que le parti au pouvoir. Au deuxième tour il n’y aura pas une personne contre M.

Michel, mais tout une armée. Je voudrais saluer M. Pillay qui est allé en enfer et est revenu. Nous ne devons pas avoir ça dans une démocratie. Je le salue pour son courage. Quant à Alexia, le pays a besoin de plus de femmes comme elle. Ce que nous avons montré dans l’opposition est que les élections ne sont pas une vente aux enchères. Ce n’est pas une question d’argent pour acheter les votes. L’opposition a parlé au peuple en lui offrant des programmes pour le développement de la nation. Le pays a besoin d’élection libre pour choisir ses leaders sans que les gens reçoivent de l’argent et sans corruption. Je souhaite que bientôt le pays ait des lois qui règlent la quantité d’argent dépensée dans une élection. Je salue le peuple seychellois qui après 38 ans a fait de l’opposition la plus grande force politique du pays. Ceci montre que je dois continuer à travailler pour les Seychelles. Aujourd’hui je n’ai pas envie de parler de SNP mais de parler de l’opposition. Nous avons déjà commencé à se parler pour donner un meilleur avenir à notre pays et une meilleure place pour tous les Seychellois. Il n’est plus temps de faire des promesses qui ne sont pas réalisées. L’opposition va mener une campagne propre pour que les enfants du pays utilisent leur intelligence pour développer le pays. On n’a pas promis d’argent. Nous offrons le courage et l’amour pour le pays. Ensemble nous allons le faire, et quand on dit ensemble c’est tout le monde sans quitter certains en arrière. »

Mme Alexia Amesbury : « Ce moment est historique car c’est la première fois qu’on montre au peuple seychellois que le pays peut changer. C’est juste le début. Je remercie les gens qui ont voté, la SBC, les Eglises, la Commission Electorale et les autres organisateurs des élections et ceux qui ont supporté l’opposition. On va travailler ensemble pour ce deuxième tour. »

M. Patrick Pillay : « Je félicite M. Michel pour être arrivé en tête à la fin du premier tour. Je félicite aussi M. Ramkalawan qui va représenter l’opposition. On va travailler ensemble pour que le vent de changement souffle sur notre pays. J’ai gardé ma dignité malgré toutes les accusations et calomnies. Ceux qui arrêtent la guerre sont des perdants. Je ne vais pas arrêter la guerre. En même temps je pardonne ceux qui m’ont maltraité. La campagne a montré beaucoup de choses immorales et la dignité des gens n’a pas été respectée. L’Alliance Seychellois remercie ses supporters pour dire non à quelque chose que nous n’acceptons pas. Je remercie l’Eglise pour avoir travaillé avec l’opposition pour avoir des résultats qui vont aider à restaurer la dignité et éliminer la peur. Je remercie aussi les observateurs pour nous avoir assisté dans le processus de maturation de notre démocratie et dans la recherche d’une Seychelles meilleure pour nos enfants ».


http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247764

Candidates’ representatives meet today to discuss second act modalities

07-December-2015
The second act of the Presidential election 2015 starts today when representatives of the two candidates – Parti Lepep’s James Michel and Seychelles National Party’s Wavel Ramkalawan – discuss the modalities that go with any election here.

They will meet members of the Electoral Commission today at 1.30pm for the draw of lots for the order in which candidates for the second round of the presidential election will appear on the ballot paper. They will also discuss the modalities and schedule of party political broadcasts (PPB) on Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) TV and radio.

The Electoral Commission is urging all voters to exercise their right and take their responsibility to take part fully in this second round which will see the election of the new president for the next five years.

Second round of voting will take place from December 16-18 and the electorate will choose between incumbent President Michel and long-time rival Ramkalawan.

The Electoral Commission is also calling on all candidates, their representatives and agents to abide by the shared ethical code of conduct for this election.

Meanwhile, people whose names did not appear on the voter register and therefore could not vote in the first round will still not be able to do so as, according to Mr Gappy, campaigning for the second round already started yesterday.

Also present when the first-round results were announced were members of the diplomatic community in Seychelles, representatives of the observer missions and religious leaders.

In the first round contested by six candidates, incumbent President Michel won 28,911 votes (47.76%), while his closest challenger, Mr Ramkalawan scored 21,391 votes (35.33%).


Seychelles Nation

AU observation mission head and COI leader call on President Michel

07-December-2015


On Friday, the eve of the main polling day, the head of the African Union (AU) observation mission Julia Dolly Joiner and the secretary general of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) Jean Claude de L’Estrac who is leading the latter’s observation mission delegation paid a courtesy call on President James Michel at State House.

Speaking to the press soon after the meeting Ms Joiner said it was an opportunity to brief Mr Michel on the work the AU mission had been doing and the interactions it has been having with different stakeholders.

Ms Joiner said the observers witnessed the election process in the different special polling stations on the first day of voting on Thursday and said they were very much impressed and encouraged by the calm and peaceful atmosphere, the presence of presidential candidates and their party representative who observed the election process, respect procedures and accompanied ballot boxes to the Electoral Commission.

“These are positive signs which are very encouraging for democracy,” she said.

Mr de L’’Estrac expressed the same wish noting that the calm and peaceful atmosphere is a sign of maturity of the electorate.

He noted that more than ever he has observed an acceptance from all sides that national institutions are carrying out their fuctions as required though he admitted that there will always be critricisms but they are not as rife.

With regard to election logistics Mr de L’Estrac said these are well in place and with the presence of the different political parties anything which deserve attention were pointed out and attended to by the Electoral Commission.

“In general we have seen that things are functioning as they should and everybody knows what he or she has to do and all is being carried out transparently as it should be in a democracy,” he said, noting that the important thing is that peace, calm and order continue to reign regardless who wins the election as life will continue after the election.

The accompanying photos show Ms Joiner and Mr de L’Estrac during their meetings with President Michel.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247759

President Obama moved by Mancham’s generosity

07-December-2015

Seychelles founding President Sir James R. Mancham following his return to Seychelles last Thursday from various peace-orientated overseas missions, received in audience the U.S. ambassador to Mauritius and Seychelles, Shari Villarosa, at his residence at Glacis-sur-Mer, Mahé.

Ambassador Villarosa delivered to Sir James a personal letter from U.S. President Barack Obama who acknowledged receipt of a collection of Sir James' recent books - "I want you to know that I am moved by your generosity --- Though we all come from different traditions and communities, I believe nations and individuals are stronger when they work together. By connecting across borders and cultures and holding firm to the ideals that unite us, we can move toward a future of greater peace and prosperity for all. Thank you again for your thoughtful gesture. I wish you all the best," President Obama stated.

Sir James availed of the opportunity to discuss with Ambassador Villarosa and Paul Gormley, Economic Officer who accompanied her, a whole range of matters of and concerning world issues generally and Seychelles-U.S. relationship in particular.

He said that all citizens of goodwill in the world had been saddened by last week's barbaric shooting in San Bernardino, California, which followed the recent attack on innocents in Paris on November 13, 2015.

Sir James said that these attacks were horrifying crimes, filling the city with grief and uniting people throughout the world in solidarity with the victims and with France.
These attacks, he said, were cold-blooded murders of innocent people - clearly crimes deserving punishment. But when crimes are used as the impetus for war, the crimes and grief are multiplied and the toll of innocents increases to become the norm.

"Surely we must cry havoc, but we must also be wary of letting loose the dogs of war," he quoted this declaration which was recently made by David Krieger, founder and chairman of the California-based Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.

Sir James said that as a global citizen committed to work for world peace, he was glad to note that President Obama shares his view that the problem of violent extremism cannot be solved by military intervention alone.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=247755

Presidential Election 2015: Visualizing the results of the first round


http://seychellesweekly.com/December%207,%202015/pol1_2015_election_visualizing_results.html