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Archive -Seychelles

Presidential election 2015 |25 November 2015

Ceps invites candidates to share with it their programmes and manifestos

The 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.

 

 

 

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