Seychelles National Party (SNP) presidential candidate Wavel Ramkalawan |01 December 2015
‘I have contributed to the social peace and stability that we have had’
Seychelles NATION: Why do you think the people should vote for you as President of Seychelles?
Wavel Ramkalawan: I will bring about the changes that Seychelles needs to become an enduring democracy and fully achieve the rights of Seychellois under our constitution. I can forge national unity and reconciliation, removing the division that has existed in Seychelles. I can deliver on realising the potential of Seychelles for stable economic growth that ensures jobs and business, to support government services and a better life for Seychellois. I will tackle the problems of drugs and the social ills that are damaging our nation.
Seychelles NATION: What is your definition of leadership? And what is your overarching purpose as a leader?
Wavel Ramkalawan: Leadership is having a vision of what you wish to achieve and bringing together the support and the effort that are needed to achieve it.
Seychelles NATION: Are we better off now than we were four years ago?
Wavel Ramkalawan: A few things are better but many things are worse. The climate for business has improved because of the opening of the economy to private enterprise, which the SNP has championed for a long time. However, the income disparity has increased and many people are worse off financially than they were four years ago. Our education system is failing and social problems are getting worse.
Seychelles NATION: In the past, how have you responded to, evaluated and learned from mistakes – your own and those of your team?
Wavel Ramkalawan: Everyone learns from mistakes in the same way, by focusing more clearly on the solution you seek and correcting your strategies to arrive at the solution.
Seychelles NATION: What is your negotiating style, approach, philosophy?
Wavel Ramkalawan: I am open-minded and ready to listen. I acknowledge the need to compromise but only expect that the other party is also willing to move towards a solution. Success in negotiating means that both sides win, that you make some progress towards your goals although you do not expect to get everything.
Seychelles NATION: Tell us about a time when your judgment has been tested in crisis. And what do you want the people to appreciate about your judgment?
Wavel Ramkalawan: As a leader of the opposition in Seychelles, I have contributed to the social peace and stability that we have had. Our political work has always been without violence, even when violence has been used against us. The SNP is the only party in the era since the one-party state that has been subject to harassment, intimidation and violence from the forces that are supposed to uphold law and order. SNP leaders are the only ones who have been beaten up and jailed and we have responded by continuing with our struggle.
Seychelles NATION: What are the keys to translating your vision for Seychelles’ future into action?
Wavel Ramkalawan: The key is to be able to work within the political structures and institutions to implement the goals we have.
Seychelles NATION: Young people will be engaged in this election in greater numbers than ever before. How will you keep them engaged?
Wavel Ramkalawan: Young people need to be empowered to work towards the future they see for themselves. We need to set the conditions so that they can get access to the resources that our country has.
Seychelles NATION: What are the first three things you’re going to do to raise Seychelles’ confidence once you’re in office?
Wavel Ramkalawan: Three things will be:
1. Move towards national unity by setting up a commission for that purpose, and make clear our commitment to remove politics from everyday life.
2. Constitute a consultative forum to discuss economic challenges and the way forward, to boost confidence of economic stakeholders.
3. Launch consultations for a five-year National Plan to map the way forward.
Seychelles NATION: How will you create an environment for innovation within your leadership team?
Wavel Ramkalawan: By encouraging participation and contribution of ideas.
Seychelles NATION: In what ways will you help Seychellois realise the challenges we face and do the hard work of overcoming them together?
Wavel Ramkalawan: By being open and truthful about these challenges, and encouraging the participation of all stakeholders.
Seychelles NATION: Can you give us two or three concrete examples from your past as to how you have helped change the culture of an organisation?
Wavel Ramkalawan: My work has been within my political party and within the National Assembly. Within the SNP, it has not been a question of change but of forging a political movement that has withstood difficult times. In the opposition, you are not in a position of rewarding people with positions and promotions. It is a question of sustaining the commitment and idealism that people need to work against the odds. In the National Assembly, I have contributed to the spirit of democracy by bringing ideas and proposals. Any fair-minded person will see that I have made a positive contribution.