Eleksyon lezislativ 2016:

National Assembly election 2016 - Police satisfied with operation plans

National Assembly election 2016 - Police satisfied with operation plans

13-September-2016
The police have expressed satisfaction with their operation plans before, during and after the National Assembly election which took place over the weekend.
However the police have expressed concern over certain incidents that took place especially on Saturday and Sunday.
On the main polling day on Saturday the police had to intervene in cases where alcohol were being sold to the public. It is to be recalled that a ban had been imposed on the sale of alcohol from 11pm on Friday September 9 to 8.30am on Sunday September 11 on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
The police said help was requested to ensure order in some areas of Plaisance, Les Mamelles, Anse Aux Pins, Union Vale, English River and Roche Caiman well after voting process was over.
On Sunday the police received reports of disturbances and nuisance in the community such as loud music whereby the police responded and the situation was contained.
The police said one of the major challenges remain the consumption of alcohol in abundance as well as disrespect to traffic laws and road traffic regulations.
As for accidents, a man sitting on the window of a private bus fell off at Beau Vallon but fortunately there were no serious injuries.
At Anse Aux Pins in the vicinity of the former Reef Hotel a car collided against an electric pole with two ladies sitting on car windows falling down. One of them was admitted to hospital.
A vehicle collision was reported at Anse à la Mouche resulting in one admission. Other minor accidents were also recorded.
Confrontations broke out on the main road in the vicinity of the English River community centre between supporters of the two main political parties – the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa and Parti Lepep. The police intervened to restore peace and order. No serious injuries were recorded.
The police also revealed that tuna crackers (petar ton) were detonated in some districts, with one person receiving severe injuries to the hand at Cascade.
In view of more celebrations to continue over the coming weekend, the police are appealing for all parties concerned to behave responsibly, not to act in any manner likely to cause breach of peace, show more self-respect, respect to one another and respect to the law in general.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=250991

National Assembly: Herminie to preside until election of new Speaker

14-September-2016

Following the election of a new National Assembly through the legislative election held during the weekend and whereby the opposition has for the first time obtained a majority since the return of multiparty politics in 1993, some doubts have been established in the minds of some people regarding the Assembly’s standing orders.
One such doubt is in regard to the election of the new Speaker, where many people have been asking how it will be done.
According to Article 83 (2) of the Constitution, the National Assembly shall not transact any business, other than the election of the Speaker, at any time when the office of Speaker is vacant. The Article (Paragraph 3) continues to state that a person holding the office of Speaker or Deputy Speaker shall vacate that office when the National Assembly first meets after the holding of a general election.
“The first meeting of a session of the Assembly shall, until the Speaker is elected, be presided over by the person who was the Speaker or, in his absence, the Deputy Speaker immediately before that meeting”, the Constitution says.
This means that the outgoing speaker Patrick Herminie will preside over the first session of the newly elected Assembly, until a new Speaker is elected from among the new members. Dr Herminie himself made the announcement on SBC radio and television on Monday evening.
After being elected, the new Speaker will then take over and proceed to elect the Deputy Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition. The Law further states that the person presiding at a meeting of the National Assembly (Speaker or Deputy Speaker) will not be able to vote on any question to be decided by the Assembly unless in the event of an equality of votes on any question, where he or she shall have a casting vote.
If the Speaker and Deputy Speaker can come from any of the two political parties represented in the Assembly – Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) and Parti Lepep (PL) - the Leader of the Opposition has to forcibly come from the party opposed to the current government, in this case meaning LDS. The Constitution’s Article 84 (1) should clear the minds of those in doubt on this particular matter. Rumours have in fact been going around that as the opposition is now in majority, opposition in Parliament should come from the ruling party. This is totally untrue as Article 84 (1) states the following:
“A person is not eligible to be elected to the office of Leader of the Opposition if the person is a member of the political party which nominated the incumbent President for election”.
This is the case of the PL which nominated James Michel for the post of president in the presidential election held in December last year.
Compared to the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker in which all members can vote, only LDS members will be able to vote for the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly. This is because Article 84 (1) continues to say that only members of the National Assembly who are not members of the party which nominated the incumbent President may vote in the election.
After its composition, the National Assembly shall also appoint from among its members standing committees and other committees necessary for the efficient discharge of its functions. These include the Finance and Public Accounts Committee and the Standing Order Committee.
Now that the Assembly has been elected, the President shall by Proclamation published in the Official Gazette, summon the first meeting of the National Assembly. He can do so within a period of four months after the end of the last session of the previous Assembly.
Much has also been said about the power of the President to dissolve the National Assembly. The truth is that the President can do so only once during a term of mandate. If he chooses to do so twice within the same mandate, he also shall resign from the Office of the President.
Contrary to what many people believe, subject to the Standing Orders of the Assembly it is not obligatory that meetings of the National Assembly are broadcast on radio or television. They should however be open to the public.
It is also interesting to note that a member of the National Assembly benefits from Parliamentary immunity under Article 99 (2) of the Constitution:
“Where the National Assembly is in session an arrest shall not be effected against a member in a way which will interfere with the performance by the member of the functions of the member in the Assembly and, where proceedings are instituted against a member, the court or authority before which the proceeding are being conducted shall so conduct the proceedings as to allow the member to continue to perform the functions of the member in the Assembly. A process issued by a court shall not be served or executed within the precincts of the National Assembly, as defined by or under an Act”, the Article says.
In the situation of cohabitation where two different parties dominate the Executive and Legislative branches of government, it is necessary that they work together for the good of the nation, as indicated by Attorney General Rony Govinden. In a presidential system like ours however, working together resolves to mutual understanding, cooperation and collaboration.
In parliamentary or semi-presidential systems such as in France, Mauritius or India where the president is head of State and the prime minister head of government, when the President is from a different political party than the majority of the members of parliament, cohabitation means that the president names a prime minister that is acceptable to the majority party within parliament. The latter thus usually comes from the opposition. It then comes to the prime minister to name the government ministers.
Seychelles having a presidential system like the United States, we are far from this scenario.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=251002

Celebrating Positive Thinking Day

14-September-2016
Are our thoughts aligned with the goals and dreams we have?
Everything we do starts with one thought. Our successes and failures are made from chain of thoughts leading into actions or inaction, belief or doubts, result or repetitive outcomes, be it consciously or without you even realising it.
Having a positive outlook is a choice. You can choose to think thoughts that elevate your mood, throw a more constructive light on difficult situations, and generally colour your day with brighter, more hopeful approaches to the things you do. By choosing to take a positive outlook on life, you can begin to shift out of a negative frame of mind and see life as filled with possibilities and solutions instead of worries and obstacles.
Maybe most of you are comfortable with your thoughts. We may not think much about it even. Imagine what would happen if we could improve the quality of our thoughts. Some never stop to think or assess their own, but the quality of our thoughts can have massive influence on what future we create for ourselves. Sometimes we can blame it on someone else, but is it really in our advantage to blame someone else?
Some of you feel that destiny is inevitable and what you get is what you were supposed to get. This isn’t always true. I will never tell someone he is not successful because this was not meant for him but that, he may be unsuccessful in this situation now, but HE has the power to make his life the way he wants it to be.
Whether this would be destiny or not a big part of it has to do with your choice, your consciousness and what you decide to focus your energy in.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=251012

Local observer group CDWS calls for electoral reform:

15-September-2016
Calls for elections to be held in one day


Following its observation of the legislative elections which was held last weekend, local election observer group Citizens Democracy Watch Seychelles (CDWS) has through several recommendations asked the Electoral Commission (EC) to identify areas for more electoral reforms.
Despite recognising the important logistics which the EC has to put into place especially to organise voting on the outlying islands, CDWS has asked to consider reducing the voting period to one day instead of three as it is presently the case. The local observer mission has reminded that it made the same recommendation following the presidential polls of December 2015.
Presenting the election observation preliminary report at the CEPS conference room at the Orion Mall yesterday morning, the head of the 18-member mission Eline Moses said that the observation of the pre-election phase, the election process and post activities have shown that the election was conducted in a peaceful, orderly and transparent atmosphere.
She added though that citizens should be more respectful of each other.
“Credible elections are needed for political stability and economic growth,” she remarked, as she described the election as “an important milestone in the country’s political history […], with all Seychellois coming out as winners”.
Present at the presentation were British high commissioner Caron Röhsler, members of the ARID Ms Moses presenting the preliminary report of the CDWS on the September 8-10 National Assembly election(Association for Rights Information and Democracy) observer group, electoral commission member Beatty Hoareau, representatives of the civil society and LDS (Linyon Demokratik Seselwa) leader Roger Mancienne whose party has won a 19 to 14-seat majority over Parti Lepep (PL) in the National Assembly as a result of the election.
One of CDWS’ other main recommendations calls for a modernisation of the electoral process, through an electronic system. While it has been suggested that a fully fledged electronic voting system is eventually possible, CDWS has called on the EC to immediately update its website and render the electronic voter check service operational at all times.
In regards to the voters’ register, the observer mission has underlined the urgent need for the office of the EC to undertake a voters’ census in order to rid the register of people who have passed away or are living abroad. In this way, it says, we can have a clean and concise register which will ensure that people vote in the electoral area where they actually reside.
As it calls for every person who has turned 18 on Election Day to be included on the list and be given the right to vote, CDWS is also requesting the publication of names of people who have asked to change constituency, so that other persons can object to the request if necessary.
Noting that voters’ education has improved with more information provided, CDWS has however added that this is still necessary for elders living in old people’s homes and detainees at the Montagne Posée prison.
It has at the same time however insisted that it is now time to pass on to more civic education. For example it has remarked, people should know the role of the MNA (Member of the National Assembly) which one observer said “is not reduced to building roads and bridges”.

The observer group says that the media has an important role to play in civic education, with more involvement of the Media Commission. It has at the same time called for a stricter code of conduct for the media. This is because although it has observed more balanced reporting, political newspapers were still being published and sold during the cooling off period and there has also been unequal attribution of air time and use of hate speeches, insults and character defamation.
Among other recommendations CDWS has called for more time for registration of political parties prior to elections, for the setting up of an Electoral Tribunal to settle disputes, for election results to be announced at the polling station in order to increase transparency, for the EC to consider setting up more than one polling station in districts with large populations and to put into place a proper mechanism enabling prisoners to register and cast their vote.
The observer group has also asked political parties to show more compassion to incapacitated people and to not drag them to the polls.
Among others, CDWS says it also made the following observations during last weekend election: Alphabetical streaming was smooth in certain districts but not appropriately managed in others, some disabled and elders were not given priority to vote while able persons voted in presence of witnesses, some polling stations and booths were not appropriately located, there was not sufficient lighting outside some stations, there was inconsistency in voting process between stations while some citizens could not cast their vote on Silhouette and at the Montagne Posée prison.
During the report presentation, concerns were also raised regarding the facilitation of identification of Muslim women and the fact that both main parties made use of insulting songs during the campaign.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=251032

‘LDS’ claims of victimisation and intimidation totally unfounded,’ says head of civil service

15-September-2016
“No public servant has been relieved of their responsibilities on account of their overt political views before, during and in the aftermath of the National Assembly elections.”
The statement comes in a letter by the Secretary of State for Cabinet Affairs and head of the civil service, Mohammed Afif, to the Leader of the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) Roger Mancienne.
Mr Afif was responding to a letter sent to President James Michel by Mr Mancienne on Tuesday and in which the latter alleged that several state organisations were “making threats against employees, questioning their participation in rallies, their wearing of LDS T-shirts or their voting choices”.
“It is not the President’s custom to respond to allegations and/or accusations of a spurious, tendentious and malicious nature made by politicians or political parties. But when such allegations and accusations, as conveyed in your letter cited above and relayed by public media, are made in the immediate aftermath of an election with the express purpose of confounding the people of Seychelles and eliciting the reaction of the international community, they merit to be denounced in the strongest of terms,” said Mr Afif in the letter.
He furthermore added: “The President denies, in the most categorical terms, the accusations and allegations made in your letter. Neither he nor his government have caused prejudice to any public servant, or anybody for that matter, for their political views or stance. Furthermore, contrary to your allegations and accusations, no public servant has been relieved of their responsibilities on account of their overt political views before, during and in the aftermath of the National Assembly elections.”
Mr Afif also noted that those public servants who were dismissed, suspended or removed from service in the past were judged to be in gross violation of established codes of service and or conduct.
“Many of them are known to you – especially those who have claimed to have been ‘politically victimised’ as a result of disciplinary and administrative actions taken against them. Last but not least, President Michel also takes note of reports which have been brought to his attention of Parti Lepep supporters being dismissed from private sector companies on account of their political beliefs and stance,” he concluded.

Letter to the Editor - All-woman AU mission left disappointed

15-September-2016
The African Union all-woman observer mission which was here to observe the National Assembly election must have left the country very disappointed.
After the election results were announced, only four women were elected in the 25 constituencies.
Of their 15 successful candidates, majority party LDS (Linyon Demokratik Seselwa) has only one woman directly elected.
Of the 10 elected Parti Lepep representatives, three are women.
Maybe there will be more women when the eight proportional seats are announced.
When the African Union delegation called on President James Michel at State House, the Seychellois leader pointed out that Seychelles was one of the leading countries in women’s participation in politics. And that Seychelles ranked number 2 in Africa, after Rwanda, with the highest number of woman parliamentarians.
Things changed overnight, a newspaper noted. The difference is drastic.
Women now make up only 16% of the elected members. The proportion of women representation in the 6th National Assembly may either improve or worsen depending on the proportional appointments.
There were 14+1 members in the outgoing 32-member National Assembly, or a representation of above 46%.
Parti Lepep had 11 women candidates in this month’s National Assembly election, followed by Seychelles Patriotic Movement with 5, and Linyon Demokratik Seselwa with four.
Participation of women in public decision-making is one of the areas in which progress has been made in Africa. And, indeed, in Seychelles, too.
The all-woman African Union observer mission was also meant to reaffirm the goal of gender parity on the continent.
Overnight, women’s role in Seychelles’ parliament has fallen.
We await the genders of the proportional members.

V. Charles

Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this letter do not necessarily represent the views of the Seychelles NATION newspaper.

What the “preliminary findings” of the observer missions would have been if the ruling party had won the election?
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=251022

SEYCHELLES—ÉLECTIONS LÉGISLATIVES: La COI se félicite de la bonne tenue du scrutin

ARTICLE PARU DANS LE MAURICIEN | 14 SEPTEMBER, 2016 - 20:00

La COI, qui a envoyé une mission d’observation dans le cadre des élections législatives aux Seychelles la semaine dernière, se félicite de « la bonne tenue du scrutin » et de « l’enracinement de la culture démocratique ».
La mission était conduite par Freddie Mahazoasy, vice-président de l’Assemblée nationale de Madagascar et président du comité exécutif de l’AP-COI. Elle était composée de Nitadiavina Levao, député de l’Assemblée nationale malgache, de Solange Angele, députée de l’Assemblée nationale de Madagascar, de Dhoihir Dhoulkamal, vice-président de l’Assemblée nationale de l’Union des Comores, de Mohamed Msaidié, vice-président de l’Assemblée nationale de l’Union des Comores, de Said Baco Attoumane, de l’Assemblée nationale de l’Union des Comores, de Purmanund Jhugroo, d’Eddy Boissézon et de Zouberr Houssein Joomaye, députés de l’Assemblée nationale de Maurice. Irfan Rahman, Commissaire électoral de Maurice, a, par ailleurs, apporté son soutien technique à la mission.
Cette dernière félicite le « professionnalisme de toute l’administration électorale », de même que « la forte mobilisation des femmes et des jeunes dans les bureaux de vote ». La mission publiera un rapport final sur l’ensemble de ses observations, avec des recommandations qui seront remises au Secrétaire général de la COI, Madi Hamada.

http://www.lemauricien.com/article/seychelles-elections-legislatives-la-coi-se-felicite-la-bonne-tenue-du-scrutin

Sixth National Assembly - Political parties complete line-up

16-September-2016




The line-up for the sixth National Assembly is complete after Parti Lepep and Linyon Demokratik Seselwa each named their four members who will take up the proportionate seats.
Parti Lepep (PL) has nominated Basil Hoareau, Chantal Ghislain, Sebastien Pillay and Simon Gill, while opposition coalition Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) has chosen Wavel Ramkalawan, Terrence Mondon, Flory Larue and Jany Letourdie.
LDS won a majority in the September 8-10 election, winning 15 direct seats compared to PL’s 10. This is the first time since the return of multiparty democracy in 1993 that the opposition will have a majority in the National Assembly.
With a total of 30,444 votes (49.65%), LDS earned four proportionate seats in the assembly, the same number as PL who totaled 30,218 votes (49.28%).
LDS will thus hold 19 seats in the sixth National Assembly while PL will hold 14 seats.
For PL, Basil Hoareau, who lost the Bel Ombre constituency to Nicholas Prea (1,283 against 1,391), is the only one of the 15 losing candidates to get a proportionate seat. As for Chantal Ghislain, she was the elected MNA for Inner Islands in 2011 but did not run for office this time. Sebastien Pillay has been chosen as a proportionate member for the second time after serving in the fifth National Assembly from 2011 to 2016.
Elected in the district of Mont Buxton to be part of the first National Assembly in 1993, Simon Gill is back in the parliament after also serving as a proportionate member in 1998 and 2002.
For LDS, Wavel Ramkalawan, who ran for the English River constituency this time and got 1,255 votes to lose it to Wilbert Herminie (1,316) for a second parliamentary election loss after he was beaten by Bella Henderson in St Louis in 1993, is also back as a member of the legislative body. He had previously served the house after winning the St Louis constituency in 1998 and 2002, and Anse Etoile district in 2007. Mr Ramkalawan’s Seychelles National Party (SNP) boycotted the National Assembly election in 2011.
Terrence Mondon, who stood at Takamaka for PL in 2002 and 2007 and won before changing allegiance by joining LDS, lost this year’s race to PL’s Paul Ernesta (964 against 1,059).
Both Flory Larue and Jany Letourdie are new to the parliament. Larue lost to PL’s Sylvanne Lemiel for the Anse Royale seat (1,315 against 1,532) and Letourdie was beaten by Audrey Vidot in Roche Caïman (720 against 982).
The winners of the 15 direct seats for LDS are Clifford André (Anse Aux Pins), Patrick Pillay (Anse Boileau), Ahmed Afif (Anse Etoile), Stephen Pillay (Au Cap), François Adelaide (Baie Lazare), John Hoareau (Beau Vallon), Norbert Loizeau (Bel Air), Nicholas Prea (Bel Ombre), Regina Esparon (Glacis), Wavel Woodcock (Grand Anse Praslin), Bernard Georges (Les Mamelles), Gervais Henrie (Mont Buxton), Jean-François Ferrari (Mont Fleuri), Clive Roucou (Plaisance) and Sandy Arrisol (St Louis).
Sylvanne Lemiel (Anse Royale), Churchill Gill (Baie Ste Anne), Charles De Commarmond (Cascade), Wilbert Herminie (English River), Waven William (Grand Anse Mahé), Noline Sophola (Inner Islands), Jude Valmont (Pointe Larue), Clifford Aglaé (Port Glaud), Audrey Vidot (Roche Caïman) and Paul Ernesta (Takamaka) are the winners of the 10 direct seats for PL.
Of the 33 members, seven are women which is equivalent to 21.21%.
LDS is a coalition of four parties – Seychelles National Party (SNP) led by Wavel Ramkalawan, Lalyans Seselwa (Seychellois Alliance) led by former Minister and Ambassador Patrick Pillay, the Seychelles Party for Social Justice and Democracy (SPSD) led by lawyer Alexia Amesbury and the Seychelles United Party (SUP) led by Robert Ernesta – as well as lawyer Phillip Boulle who has run for president as an independent candidate a number of times.
According to statistics released by the Electoral Commission, the voter turnout was 62,939 representing 87% of the voters’ population of 71,932. A total of 1,547 votes were rejected.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=251048

Législatives 2016 - Bilan et recommandations de la mission de l’OIF

À la demande des autorités de la République des Seychelles, et dans le cadre de l’engagement de la Francophonie en faveur de la consolidation de la démocratie dans l’espace francophone, Madame Michaëlle Jean, Secrétaire générale de la Francophonie, a dépêché une mission d’information et de contact aux Seychelles à l’occasion des élections législatives qui se sont déroulées du 8 au 10 septembre 2016.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=251046

Letter to the Editor - ‘St. Gappy des élections honnêtes’
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=251043

Letter to the Editor - UK government still interested that Seychelles gets its ‘democratic situation’ right
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=251042

International Day of Democracy - Stakeholders urged to uphold principles of democracy
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=251044

Marie-Andrée Berthane Francis‎ to One Seychelles
2 hrs ·
Spoiled Votes!!
Apparently a total of 1547 ballot papers were rejected in the recent assembly elections. That's a lot of votes considering the size of eligible voters. The question is why? According to LSH, that's more spoiled votes than in last year's presidential elections.
Apart from Anse Aux Pins, the rejected votes were more than the votes for SPM and independent candidates combined. Are there any voters on this forum who can shed some light on the clarity of instructions on the ballot papers. Is it legible enough and can Seychellois voters make sense of it? Other potential problem; why is wet ink used? Could this be an issue?


NEW FOCUS - DISTRICT ELECTIONS
Read the below in the newspaper:
'The dust will hardly have settled on these elections when we all have to start preparing for the next ones - the District Council elections and these will be just as important because their outcome will decide on how much our elected MNA's will be able to deliver in the districts as the council will be the support structure. So, even before euphoria dies out let us start thinking about how we will ensure that at least in those 15 districts which LDS have won, we get a council which is also LDS'.

Source: Editorial from Lavwa newspaper

Now that the President has announced that the First Session of the National Assembly will be on the 27th of September next week.
We would like to take a moment to Sincerely say a BIG Thank You to Roger Mancienne who is the chairman and leader of LDS.
You have played a vital role in keeping the unity amongst the 4 parties that form the LDS.
Thank You again,I ask all LDS supporters to like this post to show our appreciation for Mr Mancienne.

http://www.statehouse.gov.sc/news.php?news_id=3124

New National Assembly to meet next Tuesday

20-September-2016
The newly elected National Assembly will meet for the first time on Tuesday September 27, 2016 at 9am.
The announcement was made through a proclamation in the Official Gazette yesterday by the President, in accordance with Article 107 of the Constitution.
The sixth National Assembly comprises 19 members from the opposition coalition Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) and 14 from Parti Lepep (PL).
This follows the September 8-10 election in which the LDS won 15 direct seats compared to PL’s 10.
Based on their results both the LDS (who got a total of 30,444 votes or 49.65%), and PL (who totaled 30,218 votes or 49.28%) additionally earned four proportionate seats each in the assembly.
This is the first time since the return of multiparty democracy in 1993 that the opposition will have a majority in the National Assembly.
The winners of the 15 direct seats for LDS are Clifford André (Anse Aux Pins), Patrick Pillay (Anse Boileau), Ahmed Afif (Anse Etoile), Stephen Pillay (Au Cap), François Adelaide (Baie Lazare), John Hoareau (Beau Vallon), Norbert Loizeau (Bel Air), Nicholas Prea (Bel Ombre), Regina Esparon (Glacis), Wavel Woodcock (Grand Anse Praslin), Bernard Georges (Les Mamelles), Gervais Henrie (Mont Buxton), Jean-François Ferrari (Mont Fleuri), Clive Roucou (Plaisance) and Sandy Arrisol (St Louis). The party’s four proportionately elected members are Wavel Ramkalawan, Terrence Mondon, Flory Larue and Jany Letourdie.
As for PL, its 10 directly elected members are Sylvanne Lemiel (Anse Royale), Churchill Gill (Baie Ste Anne), Charles De Commarmond (Cascade), Wilbert Herminie (English River), Waven William (Grand Anse Mahé), Noline Sophola (Inner Islands), Jude Valmont (Pointe Larue), Clifford Aglaé (Port Glaud), Audrey Vidot (Roche Caïman) and Paul Ernesta (Takamaka). Its four proportionately elected members are Basil Hoareau, Chantal Ghislain, Sebastien Pillay and Simon Gill.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=251097

Opinion - ‘Cohabitation: Everything to gain by playing the game correctly’

21-September-2016
An analysis written recently by Peter Fabricius of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) asks a question in its title: “Will the Seychellois cohabitate or mutually self destruct”? The question plays on the recent parliamentary election where the umbrella opposition group, LDS (Linyon Demokratik Seselwa), won 15 districts to the governing party, Parti Lepep (PL), 10, giving the opposition a majority for the first time since the founding of this 3rd Republic.
Further in the analysis which quotes the Seychelles high commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Claude Morel, when it writes, “Yet Seychelles is embarking on what promises to be a challenging new chapter of ‘co-habitation’ politics, as the country’s high commission to South Africa describes it”.
The author further writes, “LDS’ leader Roger Mancienne called it a 'historic victory’. Michel and the PL graciously conceded defeat and Michel promised to work with the LDS-controlled National Assembly.”
The answer to Mr Fabricius’ question will come in part shortly after September 27, 2016 when after the assembly is convened, a new leader of opposition will be nominated from those on the LDS opposition bench. Those directly elected and those proportionally nominated, will elect their leader. Shortly after this I suspect the head of the Seychellois state, President James Michel, will invite the new leader of the opposition in the assembly to State House for a meeting, as has been done since the founding of the 3rd Republic.
Understanding that we have had four leaders of opposition – from former president James Mancham (former DP leader), to Wavel Ramkalawan (SNP leader), to David Pierre (formerly of the SNP but later leader of the newly formed PDM), and for a brief period, Franschasca Monnaie, the only female leader of opposition from the PDM – those loyal opposition leaders met on a regular basis with the head of state, starting with then President Albert Rene, and later President James Michel.
Of course we know that not all those suggested and planned meetings were held when the then opposition leader, Wavel Ramkalawan, declined to meet further with the president. It seemed that an opposition leader meeting with the president at State House was ‘verboten’ and strictly ‘Taboo’, for in the mind of a certain political elite, it smelled too fishy.
So indeed the answer to the question will come very, very soon after the new leader of the opposition is voted in. Will he or she go up to State House to meet the President of the Republic or will he or she refuse in total to talk and discuss affairs of this 3rd Republic with our elected Head of State, President Michel? The loyal opposition being what it is today, as represented by 4 distinct opposition parties under the LDS umbrella, may not feel so loyal to the 3rd Republic to do so but rather more loyal to their own interests to not do so.
For hope to flourish there needs to be continued dialogue so that indeed we can cohabitate and so that peace, progress and stability continues to grow as we have grown accustomed to it under a PL leadership in this 3rd Republic.
A possible answer to what lies ahead indeed rests with the LDS leadership and those who support what they are saying. It does not however bode well for dialogue at State House if the venom which is being spewed forth, the suggestions of stomping under foot by those in the opposition against the very leadership of the PL, continues on, this despite the best attempts of a President who from day one has called for unity and understanding.
In my mind it’s all about the very best of the 3rd Republic and what has been achieved to date. However flying the Union Jack of late by LDS billboards may just indicate no cohabitation and a continued approach of well the same old approach that took us from ‘Saboule’ to the one currently in fashion today.
I truly hope not however and will give the benefit of the doubt to LDS leader, Roger Mancienne, and encouraging continued dialogue and meetings with President Michel when an invitation is extended.
Thank you.

Raymond K. St Ange

Disclaimer
The views expressed in these letters do not necessarily represent the views of the Seychelles NATION newspaper.

Sixth National Assembly’s first meeting on September 27

22-September-2016
Further to the Proclamation made by President James Michel in the Official Gazette of Monday September 19, 2016, the National Assembly of Seychelles will convene its first meeting of its sixth session on Tuesday September 27, 2016 at 9am.
This first meeting shall commence with the Oath of Allegiance of all members administered by the Clerk, followed by the election of the Speaker.
The meeting will adjourn, subsequent to formalities such as speeches by both the outgoing and newly elected Speaker.
A second meeting will be convened at 10am on the same day for the election of the Deputy Speaker and Leader of Opposition. The newly elected Speaker shall preside over the election of the Deputy Speaker.
The Leader of the Opposition shall be elected only by the members of the Opposition party while the Leader of Government Business shall be appointed by the President.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=251125

Letter to the Editor - Democracy is the winner

Letter to the Editor - Democracy is the winner

22-September-2016
The National Assembly elections are now over and we have every reason to take pride in the fact that they have been conducted in an atmosphere of calm, peace and tolerance. We have also emerged stronger, politically, as a nation following these elections, a triumph for our Democracy.
They have given us a 'new look' National Assembly represented by both the ruling party (PL) and the Opposition (LDS). Now, the voice of the people of all shades of political opinion should be heard loud and clear through their representatives. We trust that their concerns and interests as well as those of the nation at large will always be their main target and not those of their party.
Since the election results for both major political parties have been so close in the total number of valid votes cast, a mere difference of 226, it goes without saying that our little nation is almost equally divided politically, each party commanding roughly half of the total electorate support.
This indicates clearly that they have much more 'common ground' than differences, hence the need for them to work TOGETHER in a cordial atmosphere and cooperate fully in seeking what is best for our nation and its people. As for the third political force, SPM, which must not be left out of the scenario, it is good and democratically healthy that they exist, albeit new on the political scene. They can play their little part in helping shape our nation and in 'building bridges' in the words of Sir James R. Mancham. We wish them well in their political pursuits, adding new dimensions to our fledgling Democracy.

John L. Adam

Disclaimer
The views expressed in this letter do not necessarily represent the views of the Seychelles NATION newspaper.

Lasanble Nasyonal - Nouvo Spiker i dir sa responsabilite pa pou afekte son travay konman MNA Anse Boileau

29-September-2016


Nouvo Spiker Lasanble Nasyonal Msye Patrick Pillay in asir bann dimoun Anse Boileau ki’n elekte li konman zot reprezantan dan Lasanble ki menm si i annan responsabilite konman spiker i pou osi kontinyen travay pour zot dan distrik parey in promet zot.
« Mon bezwen organiz mon letan konman spiker e MNA elekte pour Anse Boileau pour mwan travay pour zot osi. Sa i en kestyon lorganizasyon e byen definir mon lanplwaditan, » Msye Pillay in dir.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=251219

We won because the ruling party had lost touch with the electorate... and I thanked God for the result

30th September 2016


Working for Seychelles: Lewis Betsy, publisher of Seychelles Life, and NA Speaker Patrick Pillay

Patrick Pillay, now the new Speaker of the sixth National Assembly of Seychelles. is the elected member of the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) party for the Anse Boileau district in Mahe. Mr Pillay, who served as Minister of External Affairs and Minister of Health under President Michel, and then became High Commissioner in London, formed a breakaway party in May 2015. When the LDS gained control of the National Assembly in the September elections it overturned the ruling Parti Lepep which had governed Seychelles uninterrupted for 29 years. Seychelles Life put Ten Questions to him about his reaction...

Congratulations on the election result. You knew you had a good chance, but is this the result you expected?

I had predicted 51 per cent for LDS at Anse Boileau. as I felt while campaigning that the ruling party had lost the trust of the constituents in this Lepep stronghold. I was therefore pleasantly surprised that I did better than that.
What made the difference?

I think it is a question of trust and repute. We politicians underestimate the ability of the electorate to discern the sincere from those coming with false promises who are there for their own agenda and self-aggrandisement I hope it has been a reality check for the ruling party and for the wannabe politicians who thought that they could buy votes willy-nilly. The most embarrassing revelation is for those candidates who managed to get 50 signatories in the constituency where they stood as candidates to endorse them but failed to get 50 votes in the elections! I maintain that the electorate is smarter than we politicians believe.

A change in power has been a long time coming since Parti Lepep first took control of the NA 29 years ago, did you think it would ever happen?

Yes I was positive that it would happen. Too many in the ruling party had lost touch with the people. There was a small elite group in the ruling party that were ill-advising the President and looking after their own personal interests rather than that of the people of Seychelles.
What was your first thought when you knew the Opposition had control of the NA?

A prayer to my God. I just thanked Him for his grace. I knew He never gets it wrong. This is what I kept telling all my supporters after the first round of the presidential elections in December 2015. Many were very tearful and I kept reminding them to trust and obey The Lord.
So now, what is your first priority?

To establish myself in the National Assembly and once that is done to assertively start implementing the programme that was very clearly defined in the LDS manifesto prior to the National Assembly.

What do you think the working relationship will be like between the NA and President Michel in a situation which has never been tested before? *

It all depends on President Michel. If he is magnanimous in his attitude and approach, then I foresee no problem whatsoever. He can either meet the new Speaker and Leader of the Opposition individually or together. It all depends on him. We in the LDS have made it clear that we want to work with all stake holders working in Seychelles for the betterment of the country and the people.
You bonded as a united opposition so will you now still work together?
Absolutely. The people of Seychelles expect no less.

What reaction have you had from business and economic experts?

Euphoria. Just plain optimism. Even from some who I had assumed were financing LePep! I am learning more about the mindset of the business community and it seems that for some (not for all) their actions are not based on ethics and moral principles.

What response have you had from political leaders abroad?

None that I can remember. You see at the moment, I am only the elected member for Anse Boileau district. I am still small fry – in relative terms. One thing I have to point out from the outset is that I have no intention of kow-towing to the big boys in business at any time in the future.

What are your views on a Seychelles Truth and Reconciliation Commission as seen in South Africa, Northern Ireland and Rwanda?
I am passionate about the setting up of a "Truth and Healing Commission". I have been harping on that since my return to active politics in April 2015. I have no intention of letting up on that score. I know that both Mr James Michel and Mr James Mancham think we should forget the past and move on. I could not disagree more.

* The interview was conducted before President Michel announced that he was standing down in October.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153972074193004&set=gm.547718918770754&type=3

Publish Facebook

Kate Adie introduces dispatches from writers and correspondents around the world. In this edition: Tim Ecott reports from the Seychelles in the week the president shocked the affluent island nation by his resignation; amid the growing lawlessness in Venezuela, Jake Wallis Simons is taken to the lair of a gangland boss who explains why he orders so many kidnappings in the district of Caracas where his group's writ runs; Chris Simpson in Mauritania considers the reasons for the persistence of the historic racial divides which characterise its society; Jane Labous reflects on the splendid September spectacle of gathering shell-fish on the Normandy shores - and the colourful characters who do it; while Philip Sweeney samples both the cuisine and the political temperature in Iran now that direct flights between London and Tehran have resumed.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07x5mpp

Letter to the Editor - First sitting of the 6th National Assembly: A personal point of view

03-October-2016
It was indeed with great enthusiasm and excitement that I was looking forward to the first sitting of the new National Assembly with the majority of Opposition MNAs. Indeed it struck home a variety of analysis….yet one foremost is the appointment of the deputy Speaker.
Honestly speaking, I have nothing against Mr Préa (I personally consider him the serene and simplest individual among his clan and I duly respect him).
Considering the all-along-Cosmos of the Opposition with their strong allegiance to peace, working together for all Seychellois, Reconciliation, Unity, and doing away with the so-called “Ek Nou Pa Ek Nou” regime, why on Earth didn’t the LDS majority vote in a Parti Lepep MNA (which now represents the minority in the Assembly) as deputy Speaker instead of one of themselves??? Wouldn’t that have been an attestation to what they formulated and believed in, together with their supporters, all along during campaigning!!?? It was 18 votes against 14 for Honorable Préa and William respectively, (the latter being a respectable and experienced individual himself). It would have been 19 too, should the Speaker be allowed to vote. And what about the “Forgiveness” issue that the new Speaker voiced out? Yet, NO-ONE dared voted otherwise!
Am I to categorise such action as: “Po Fler”?, “Ek Nou Pa Ek Nou”? Selfish? Fear? Yes Men? Loyal to their Party LDS? or controlled by their Party? Alas, all of them in the campaigns claimed they are not and would never be!!!
Behold! Neither the priests, the bishops, the whole clergy, or the Pope not even Jesus Christ will perfection this New National Assembly of Seychelles … Only individual change and perfectionism will! That is to “Walk the Talk”!
I, along with others, will be here to bear witnesses to those avalanches of UNPREDICTABLE CHANGES….
God Bless Seychelles!

Noëmie Woodcock

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=251266

Opinion - ‘I am tired of a divided government,’ says the Speaker

06-October-2016
This interesting statement comes from the 54th Speaker of the House of Representatives in the United States Honorable Paul Ryan. Attributing ‘divided’ government as a cause of so much division, he added further and I quote, “I’m tired of divided government. It doesn’t work very well. We’re just at loggerheads. We’ve gotten some good things done. But the big things — poverty, the debt crisis, the economy, health care — these things are stuck in divided government.” These remarks should lead us to ponder what is about to happen in Seychelles, even as some leaders promise to work for unity and so on.
Elected on October 29, 2015, Speaker Ryan of the Republican Party or the GOP, received 236 votes against Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, of the Democratic Party, who received 184 votes, this from members present.
And so what? It has nothing to do with the Seychelles after all? By the way I recently heard that line somewhere, and permitting me to think back, it was on October 4, 2016 within our own ‘House’ the Seychelles National Assembly following remarks made by a representative from the Parti Lepep, when comparing our Constitution to that of others around the world, then mentioning the United States of America. And so what again?
It seems to me that an opposition so hell bent on achieving will say anything and compare us to everyone in the world, when and if it suits them. And when it doesn’t, stepping away from all comparisons to make another argument in an attempt to justify themselves, and keep matters confused. By the way did I hear a member of that coalition say that President Michel was a traitor to the Seychelles Constitution?
If today we have a speaker in such an august house as the House of Representatives, the people’s house, in the United States of America, lamenting a divided government, (we know that Obama controls the White House and the Republicans since 2011 controls the House of Representatives, and since 2015, the Senate), and wishing for the day when one party can dominate all, Ryan’s party, then I wonder if this registers whatsoever with us, voters in the Seychelles? I think the answer is yes it does as I note quite clearly the strategy of the coalition of opposition parties, which at this time as they continue to work together, have pieced 4 seats more in our ‘house’ and wanting much, much more. For they as well aspire to what Speaker Ryan aspires to.
For the record, Speaker Ryan as well said that he stands ready to work with any executive that wins the US November presidential election, be it Mr D Trump, Mrs H. Clinton, and I will add Mr G. Johnson, or Ms J. Stein, even though the last two are long shots. This last bit as well we in Seychelles need to understand and take to heart.
Noting that Seychelles has achieved much up until September 27, 2016, I as well feel that yes indeed we need a dominant party to work at all levels on our behalf, for indeed even as one side of our house was apparently rejecting comparisons, the Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance reported, this on October 4, 2016, that Seychelles continues to improve rising another two spots to number four in all of Africa! I wonder on whose watch this happened under? For the record after October 16 the governing party at State House will continue to work very hard for all Seychellois. It’s not after all about any indexes but it is about doing what’s right for all people no matter how hard our own house pulls in the opposite direction. Lamentations, lamentations, lamentations.

Raymond St Ange

Disclaimer
The views expressed in this opinion piece do not necessarily represent the views of the Seychelles NATION newspaper.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=251312

National Assembly approves members for its Standing Committees

06-October-2016
The 6th National Assembly in its 2nd sitting on Tuesday approved members for its seven different committees through individual motions tabled by members.
The committees comprise four LDS and three Parti Lepep members. The committees are important to help the Assembly better carry out its roles and functions.
Charles de Commarmond, the leader of government business, tabled the motion to set up and approve members for the Standing Order Committee whose role is to decide and consider all the rules governing the procedure of the Assembly.
Members of this committee are Bernard Georges, Clifford Andre, Waven Woodcock, Regina Esparon, Basil Hoareau, Waven William and Sebastien Pillay.
The motion to set up the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) was tabled by the leader of the opposition Wavel Ramkalawan. Among its roles this committee scrutinises and examines reports on government accounts, report on the effectiveness and efficiency of public financial management bodies to ensure transparency and accountability.
The members are Wavel Ramkalawan, Terence Mondon, Jean-François Ferrari, Ahmed Afif, Churchill Gill, Sebastien Pillay and Charles de Commarmond.
Chantal Ghislain, proportionally elected Parti Lepep member, tabled the motion to set up the Committee of Women Parliamentarians (CWP). Its role is to provide an opportunity for women members and other interested parties to meet to share experiences, seek solutions and discuss topics of particular significance or relevance to women in the parliament as well as matters pertaining to equal opportunities for women and men.
The members are Flory Larue, Jany de Letourdie, Regina Esparon, Chantal Ghislain, Sylvianne Lemiel, Noeline Soffola and Audrey Vidot. In this case there was some debate from both parties as the LDS has only three women and Parti Lepep four which does not reflect the force of the LDS in the House but nevertheless agreed to the state of affair.
Jean-François Ferrari, elected member for Mont Fleuri, tabled the motion to set up the International Affairs Committee (IAC) whose role is to work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other governmental and non-governmental organisations on matters and issues of international relations and then report to the Assembly.
The members are Jean François Ferrari, Clifford Andre, Flory Larue, John Hoareau, Waven William, Jude Valmont and Noeline Soffola.
The motion to set up the Media Committee was tabled by LDS proportionally elected member Flory Larue. The purpose of the Media Committee is to ensure fair, proper, dignified and unbiased coverage of proceedings of the National Assembly. The members are Flory Larue, Gervais Henrie, Wavel Woodcock, Jany de Letourdie, Chantal Ghislain and Simon Gill.
Proportionally elected Parti Lepep member Simon Gill tabled the motion to set up the Committee on Government Assurances (COGA).
Its main function is to ensure that promises made to the people given by ministers in the Assembly are respected and realised and to report on the extent to which such assurances have been implemented and where implemented whether such implementation has taken place within the minimum time specified. The members are Clive Roucou, Gervais Henrie, Norbert Loizeau, Sandy Arrisol, Simon Gill, Wilbert Herminie and Sylvianne Lemiel.
Waven William, elected member for Grand Anse Mahé, tabled the motion to set up the Committee on Reforms and Modernisation (CRM). Among its role is to consider and review legislations pertaining to the further development of the National Assembly and make proposals to the House.
The members are Bernard Georges, François Adelaide, Steven Pillay, Sandy Arrisol, Sebastien Pillay, Waven William and Charles de Commarmond.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=251311

We still cannot post pictures directly on Facebook our window "suffer /function from mad monkey blinking syndrome" there was a picture posted of LDS Assembly member in-front of the National Assembly this morning.

One thing we can post is the link of LDS demand from Vice President Day Faure upon his taking office. For the past 40 years our community in Europe constellation, their political affiliation. At the same time the many new Consulate, Tourist and economic ambassador.

After so much complain of abuses we had expected some kind of change in the policy of LDS meaning they would lend an active support to our community workings in Europe a against the government diplomatic working.

Upon the first sitting of the 6th National Assembly blog an article stressing the failure of speaker Pat Pillay to even mention the very important and positive contribution in our economic, persuading the EU to take a stronger approach to Seychelles government and the corruption had the truth be told why he is speaker of the Assembly and the present political situation.

It has taken dome 40 years to build some kind of infrastructures for our community in Greater Europe working vis a vis the very many institutions and cultures - how the SPPF/PL government and their Consul and Culture ambassador abused this - they threw all the work and manual of EU on Diaspora and ethnic community working in the dustbin and attempted to shave/ram down our throat dictated from Seychelles what our working and role/responsibilities. When they get a personality like Mr Christopher Gill aggressive posting they get very uptight and upset - yet it it the reality.

Given Mr Pat PiIlay past working in this field and his reaction and those of the Opposition majority reaction - we should not expect any support or help. Their talk of establishing voting rights and if any of them understand and know the very important role Diaspora plays in today's economy.

We have rights - just a you can demand from the Vice President he call a new Presidential election after event of the last Presidential and that national Assembly election - we do not wish to start labeling them as dishonest personalities - the situation is just not acceptable.
We had hoped they would help us develop a radio station for our community in Europe and put into place measures that would bolster the refugees and Diaspora working of our community in Europe - having led this work for some near 40 years do not see any positive contribution from LDS. They would do well to research and study our publication - if we have the capacity to support EU 5 years 315 billion Euro Budget - we must and poses greater capabilities which we can be used to influence the political and economic direction of Seychelles. Beside the Presidential debacle.
https://www.facebook.com/LinyonDemokratikSeselwa/photos/a.1730785403828089.1073741828.1730106533895976/1800560753517220/?type=3&theater

This should serve a lesson to everybody from LDS - the General had worked under three of President F Mitterrand government and should know that SIROP program inside out - I offered that we use his knowledge and expertise to work those issues out he refused instead - We have had the UN mega summits and the EU in Vienna and the comment at SIROP Seychelles -

http://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/2016/10/05/01016-20161005ARTFIG00263-le-general-piquemal-radie-des-cadres.php?utm_medium=Social&xtor=AL-155-[facebook]&utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_source=Facebook&utm_term=Autofeed#link_time=1475685051