General elections ‒ October 22-24, 2020 |12 October 2020

Father Alcindor presiding over the spiritual gathering (Photo: Louis Toussaint)

Candidates take part in spiritual gathering

By Christophe Zialor

Presidential and National Assembly candidates for the October 22-24 general elections attended a spiritual reflection gathering at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday evening.

The gathering was organised by the Roman Catholic Church in collaboration with the Seychelles Interfaith Council (Sifco).

This was attended by the three presidential candidates, Danny Faure (United Seychelles), Wavel Ramkalawan (Linyon Demokratik Seselwa) and Alain St Ange (One Seychelles) along with their vice- president nominees and their legislative picks. Also present were the two independent candidates ‒ Keith Andre (Beau Vallon) and Holbert Jean (St Louis) ‒ along with spiritual leaders from other denominations and members of the public.

Opening the reflection was parish priest Father David Alcindor who noted that the reflection serves as an opportunity for all of us to pray together and ask God to guide us in this upcoming elections.

“We ask God to guide us and help us make the right decision and by the end of the elections Seychelles and Seychellois will come out the victors, not just a single group of people,” said Father Alcindor.

He urged everyone to have respect, tolerance and peace so that Seychelles can serve as an example to the rest of the world.

The mass although conducted in a Catholic church was open for all denominations. It was animated by the Angels choir who wore all white to represent peace, which was a strong message during the moment of reflection.

A special moment of the evening was when Mr Ramkalawan, Mr St Ange and United Seychelles’ vice-presidential candidate Maurice Loustau-Lalanne read passages from the bible. The independent candidates also got the opportunity to say a special prayer. Then the presidential candidates and their running mates were given candles to light on at the altar as a sign of gratitude to God to answer their prayers.

Speaking on behalf of Sifco, Bishop Denis Wiehe called on all citizens who have a right to vote to do so.

“To vote on election day is not only a right but it is a duty. Engagement in politics is noble and demanding. We pray in a special way for all those who have come forward as political leaders and candidates. We also call upon all political actors especially those elected to be selfless in their service to the nation and we urge all leaders, candidates and the general public to receive the outcome of the election peacefully,” said Bishop Wiehe.

He concluded by saying that we need to be united and work together and further strengthen our society and give thanks to God for the progress made by our nation over the years.

On his part Archbishop James Wong of the Anglican Church asked “God to provide our soon-to-be leaders guidance in their duties to the nation and give them the wisdom to support one another”.

Representatives from other denominations also got a chance to pray over all candidates and give their blessings.