Politics – End-of-year review |30 December 2016

Opposition-controlled assembly, James Michel resigns as President

The year 2016 has not only given us Brexit (Britain’s pull-out from the EU) and Donald Trump as President of the United States of America. It has also given Seychelles its first National Assembly not controlled by the president’s party, putting the country in a position of cohabitation, and also President James Michel resigned 10 months into his third and final five-year mandate.

Opposition coalition Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) won a majority in parliament by getting 15 direct seats compared to 10 for Parti Lepep in the September 8-10 National Assembly election.

LDS leader Roger Mancienne described it a “historic victory” as Parti Lepep (formerly Seychelles People’s Progressive Front – SPPF) failed to win a majority for the first time since the return of multiparty democracy here in 1993.

“It’s historic because it’s the first time that we have a transition of power in one of the branches of government – the legislature,” said Mr Mancienne.

Seychelles President and Parti Lepep leader James Michel conceded his party's defeat, saying:

“The people have spoken, the people have decided and the people’s decision is supreme and my party respects the people’s opinion.”

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 Parti Lepep.

Statistics released by the Electoral Commission showed the voter turnout at 62,939 representing 87% of the voters’ population of 71,932. A total of 1,547 votes were rejected.

With a total of 30,444 votes (49.65%), LDS earned four proportionate seats in the assembly occupied by Wavel Ramkalawan, Terrence Mondon, Flory Larue and Jany Letourdie. Parti Lepep, who totaled 30,218 votes (49.28%), also got four proportionate seats which went to Basil Hoareau, Chantal Ghislain, Sebastien Pillay and Simon Gill.

As for the first time, the majority of seats – 19 out of the 33 seats – are not from the president's party, this has put the country in a position of cohabitation.

LDS, whose campaign theme was ‘Fer li OU lasanble’ (Make it YOUR assembly), 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.

A third party – Seychelles Patriotic Movement – fielded candidates in 23 of the 25 electoral districts. They got 602 votes in total (0.98%) which is less than the 10% required for a proportional seat in the assembly.

Three independent candidates also contested the election in three districts – Anse Aux Pins (Danny Sopha, 78 votes), Au Cap (Ralph Volcère, 31 votes) and Mont Buxton (Georgie Prudence, 19 votes), but none of them have secured enough votes to be entitled to any seats in parliament.

Meanwhile, a case was filed by Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) against Lafors Sosyal Demokratik (LSD) contesting the registration of the latter party based on, inter alia, the grounds that the political party’s name, acronym and theme were similar to theirs and would cause voter confusion. The Lafors Sosyal Demokratik party was deregistered and the nomination of all their candidates was revoked by order of the Supreme Court. This judgment was appealed against based on alleged procedural mistakes and the fact that the injunction was not equitable, deprived the LSD of their constitutional right to take part in the election. This judgment was considered as having affected the rights of these citizens as stated under article 23 and 24 of the Constitution. The Court of Appeal at its sitting on Friday December 9, 2016 overruled the decision of the Supreme Court which pointed out that the names Linyon Sanzman and Lafors Sosyal Demokratik be maintained.

As for Wavel Ramkalawan, he lost his two cases against the Electoral Commission regarding the decisions taken by the Constitutional Court following the December 2015 Presidential election run-off.

The Constitutional Court came up with the decision after Mr Ramkalawan had petitioned the court to rule that none of the two candidates – James Michel and himself – had obtained the absolute majority of the votes cast (50%), and to nullify the results of the presidential run-off.

In its decision, the Court of Appeal said “for the determination of the over 50% threshold, the votes received by the respective candidates should be counted against the valid votes cast and not against the number of ballots that found their way into the ballot box”.

It adds that a distinction should be drawn in law between the words ‘ballot’, ‘vote’ and ‘vote cast’, ‘valid votes’ and ‘votes received’.

The court then found the appeal had no merit and dismissed it.

His second case challenged the decision of the Constitutional Court which decided that illegal practices had occurred in the 2015 presidential election but were not such that would lead to the annulment of the election, and that proof of agency had not been made out against Mr Michel who was the successful candidate.

In its final decision, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal on the basis that all grounds raised have failed.

Electoral Commission chairman Hendrick Gappy noted that this election was another milestone in the democratic development of Seychelles as we noted “the emergence of new political parties and independent candidates as a sign that this democracy is evolving and more citizens are willing to participate and assume their rights and civic responsibilities”.

National Assembly sworn in

The 25 members voted into office in the legislative elections held September 8-10, plus the eight members chosen for the proportionate seats took their oath of allegiance on Tuesday September 27, 2016.

The sixth National Assembly, the country’s first legislative body not controlled by the president's party, elected Patrick Pillay as the new Speaker.

A former Minister and ambassador, Mr Pillay is the elected member of LDS for the Anse Boileau district. Replacing Patrick Herminie who had occupied the post for the past decade, Mr Pillay became the third speaker of the assembly in the Seychelles third republic and the first one not to come from the president's party.

“We are here to work and show our compatriots who elected us that we are here to bring results. It is no longer time just to talk and talk,” said Mr Pillay after taking the oath of allegiance, adding that the new assembly also has an important role to play to bring true democracy in Seychelles.

“We will never have an impressive economic growth, development and prosperity for our people without democratic practices, transparency, good governance in public service and the private sector,” he said.

He also called for “national unity and reconciliation” and for “the country to do away with victimisation and intimidation of its citizens”.

Speaker Pillay also called for fighting corruption, describing it as a “cancer that was destroying our society and affecting our economy”.

“The role of the assembly is to ensure that the executive works in an efficient and transparent manner, with honesty and in the interest of the country and not for their own personal interest. In line with this, I want to promise the Seychellois people that we will work incessantly to return our country to the right path. This will be our noble mission,” he added.

Outgoing speaker Herminie said the new assembly is a historic one adding that “cohabitation is not an easy political situation, but I am convinced that if we are all willing to work together for Seychelles, we can do it”.

The Seychelles' constitution provides for a separation of powers between the three arms of government – the executive, legislature and judiciary.

Elected member of LDS for the Bel Ombre district Nicholas Préa replaced André Pool as deputy speaker after being elected through a secret ballot.

Wavel Ramkalawan was appointed the Leader of the Opposition and is the first to occupy the post and not being a leader of a political party that has contested the election, while Parti Lepep’s Charles Decomarmond is the Leader of Government Business appointed by Seychelles’ President James Michel.

James Michel resigns as President

On the night of Tuesday September 27 during the 8pm SBC TV Creole news bulletin, James Michel shocked the entire nation by announcing his resignation as President, saying that after 12 years in office the time had come to hand over power to a new leader.

“A new generation of Parti Lepep will take Seychelles to the next frontier of its development,” said 72-year-old Mr Michel who added that Vice-President Danny Faure will assume the office of president and will be sworn in on October 16, the day his resignation will take effect.

Mr Michel was only 10 months into his third and final five-year mandate at the helm of the Seychelles government after being declared the winner of a December 2015 presidential run-off, winning 50.15 percent of the total votes cast.

The National Assembly approved a constitutional amendment in April that limits the presidential term to two five-year mandates, down from three five-year terms.

President Michel thanked the Seychelles people for their support and for the work they have accomplished together in the development of the country, noting that “the interest of the nation comes first” and adding that although he was stepping down he would be ready to offer his services to the country.

“I am leaving the Office of the President with a sense of mission accomplished. During these 12 years that you gave me the honour and privilege to lead our nation, I have completed my responsibility and my duty,” said Mr Michel who also called on the people of Seychelles to offer the same support that was given to him to his successor.

"Let us make national unity our priority. National unity will guide us in our action and illuminate the future of our country,” he added.

The opposition however called for another presidential election to be organised by the new president to “reflect the people’s choice”.

“Seychelles must have a president who is directly elected by the people,” the opposition leader in the National Assembly Wavel Ramkalawan said.

“There is an abuse of our Constitution and we ask that the provision 55.1 (of the Constitution) be amended so that power can no longer be passed to another person,” Wavel Ramkalawan added.

On October 8, the opposition marched through the streets of the capital Victoria demanding a new presidential election.

The governing party responded a week later by organising a rally to show support for Mr Faure.

Danny Faure takes oath of office as country’s fourth President

On Sunday October 16, Danny Faure, Seychelles’ former vice-president, was sworn in as the country's new president and promised a new era for Seychelles, adding that for Seychelles to really achieve national unity in every sense, we must undergo a process of true reconciliation.

Chief Justice Mathilda Twomey presided over the inauguration ceremony in the grounds of State House during which Mr Faure took the oath of allegiance and oath of office as the fourth President of the Republic of Seychelles

President Faure told the Seychellois people in his inaugural speech that “we stand to achieve much more as a nation and as a people if we overcome that which divides us”.

“Let the differences in our political opinions be a source of strength that dynamises our democracy, and not one that chokes it. We must see the diversity within our unity as a new force that strengthens this national unity that we truly want for our Seychelles,” said President Faure, who noted that Seychelles is starting a new chapter because a new generation is taking the helm from the generation that fought for our Independence, built the Seychellois nation, and created a modern society.

He stressed that “Seychelles is greater than us. Seychelles is our true homeland.  We all have a place within it”.

The new president noted that while each one of us can interpret the election results in different ways, but what is absolutely clear is that through the will of the people, Seychellois have asked us to engage in dialogue and to work together.

Describing himself as a child of SPUP (Seychelles People’s United Party), “the party of the poor, the party of workers, the party that struggled to bring Independence”, President Faure stressed that the development of Seychelles must remain focused on its people, the only way to eliminate poverty.

He added that we have not yet achieved all of the vision that SPUP had for Seychelles, noting that the principles that will bring greater vigour to the implementation of our development are: fairness, equal opportunities, social justice and a fair redistribution of wealth.

“I shall do everything to ensure that our policies reflect these principles. I believe in the principle of doing good for our brothers and sisters.  When each one of us also does good, collectively our society becomes a happier one. On this journey, we must all remove ill-will, remove malice, remove injustice, and remove insults that lower us in the eyes of our Creator. I believe in a Seychelles where none of our citizens is left behind, in a society which is compassionate. In a nation where true human dignity is respected. That no one is above the law, and the law applies equally for all,” said the new president who added that he also firmly believes in a system of universal social protection which is the basis for the maintenance of social cohesion and harmony, and which is also a condition for lasting peace.

He continued by saying that he believes in a Seychelles where there is room for different ideas to co-exist, and as a nation, we are ready to create more space where diverging views and ideas can be heard and respected… and providing our citizens access to information.

He thanked his predecessor, President James Michel, saying that during the course of their journey filled with many challenges for our small country, he has learned from him to always keep his sights focused on the issues greater than ourselves: that is, the welfare of the people of our country.

“Today, after you have completed 39 years in the Cabinet of Ministers, including 12 years as President, I salute you for your personal sacrifice, your hard work and your dedication in the service of the people of Seychelles.  I join the entire Seychellois nation in wishing you all the very best in your retirement, and to accord you the respect that you deserve,” he said, adding that under Mr Michel’s presidency, Seychelles has witnessed an unprecedented economic transformation.

Outgoing President Michel said as head of state he did things “his way”.

“After all these years spent as a minister and vice-president and the 12 years spent as President, I felt the time had come for me to hand over the presidency to a younger leader who would pursue the work we started more than 52 years ago.

“I am sure Mr Danny Faure will do a good job as President. Danny please take good care of this country, stay humble, stay connected with the people. I can assure you all my support and wish you all the best as President of Seychelles and I call on all Seychellois to do the same,” said Mr Michel who noted that he has spent more than 2,500 weeks in politics when many believe that one week in politics is very long.

Mr Faure can only stand once as Presidential candidate and this is in line with amendment in the Constitution approved in April 2016 that limits the presidential term to two five-year mandates, down from three five-year terms.

President Faure addresses the National Assembly

Addressing the National Assembly on Tuesday October 18, President Faure said he will put more emphasis on good governance, transparency and accountability throughout his mandate.

“The government will continue to put the Seychellois people at the centre of its development programme and will accelerate the implementation of our programme more vigorously,” said President Faure.

He added that "this necessitated a change in the structure of our administration, changes in some policies and procedures, and the way we work”.

To ensure that the government attains its objectives, the president said “laws of existing structures will be amended to reflect good governance, transparency and accountability”.

President Faure said he believes in a society that is fair, united, prosperous and more humane and to attain such a society “values such as justice, equality in opportunities and re-distribution of wealth should govern our work, and these principles will govern my work as president”.

Vincent Meriton becomes vice-president, Macsuzy Mondon designated minister

Vincent Meriton became Seychelles’ new vice-president and Macsuzy Mondon the first woman to be chosen as designated minister after the Parti Lepep members of the National Assembly voted them into office, while Peter Larose was the only minister out of four proposed to get the nod.

All 14 Parti Lepep members voted in favour of Mr Meriton and Mrs Mondon to become the country’s vice-president and designated minister, while the opposition – LDS – members abstained during the National Assembly session of Thursday October 27.

All 32 members voted in favour of Dr Peter Larose becoming a minister in President Danny Faure’s cabinet.

While Parti Lepep’s 14 members were in favour of Ambassador Marie-Louise Potter, Ambassador Dick Esparon and Dr Patrick Herminie becoming ministers, the motions were defeated by the LDS members with 18 votes.

Opposition leader Ramkalawan said although the Constitution makes provision for a vice-president and designated minister, LDS members would not vote for Mr Meriton and Mrs Mondon to become the country’s vice-president and designated minister. The 18 LDS members, who are in majority in the National Assembly, abstained while the 14 Parti Lepep members voted in favour.

He added that they voted for Mr Larose because he is a technocrat, but voted against Ambassador Marie-Louise Potter, Ambassador Dick Esparon and Dr Patrick Herminie becoming ministers as they are all politicians of Parti Lepep.

Leader of government business Decomarmond had proposed that the vote should be by secret ballot, but after some LDS members disagreed with his request, Speaker Patrick Pillay ruled that the vote would be by show of hands for transparency.

Vice-President Meriton, Designated Minister Mondon and Minister Larose were sworn in on Friday October 28 in a ceremony at State House.

All candidates were interviewed by members of the National Assembly.

Reshuffled cabinet of ministers

President Faure announced the make-up of his new government, assigning government ministers to their ministries on Saturday October 29.

He said the new cabinet is made up “of men and women with experience” and their appointments are “based on today’s realities of the various sectors and in line with our priorities”.

The responsibilities of 11 ministers were revealed during a special meeting at State House and they are as follows:

. Jean Paul Adam from the Ministry of Finance, Trade and the Blue Economy, to the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs;

. Dr Peter Larose to the new Ministry of Finance, Trade and Economic Planning;

. Mitcy Larue from the Ministry of Health to become the first woman to head the Ministry of Internal Affairs;

. Charles Bastienne from the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Ministry of Habitat, Infrastructure and Land Transport;

. Idith Alexander from the Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture;

. Wallace Cosgrow from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to the Ministry of Employment, Entrepreneurship Development and Business Innovation;

. Michael Benstrong from the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship Development and Business Innovation to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries;

. Alain St Ange kept the portfolio of tourism and took on the new Ministry for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine (Replaced by Maurice Loustau-Lalanne in late December);

. Didier Dogley retained the portfolio of Environment, Energy and Climate Change;

. Joel Morgan from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Transport to the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development;

. Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon from the Ministry of Education  to the Ministry of Local Government. Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon is the one responsible for the different portfolios whenever the respective ministers are overseas.

As for Christian Lionnet, who was the Minister for Land Use and Housing since March 2012, he left the government to join the private sector.

The departments of Foreign Affairs, Public Administration, Legal Affairs, Defence and the cabinet of ministers fall directly under the President Faure.

The office of Vice-President Meriton oversees the departments of Information, Blue Economy, Investment and Industry, Information, Communications and Technology (ICT), Risk and Disaster Management until it becomes an autonomous organisation. The Vice-President's office will also be in charge of Civil Society and all issues related to religious denominations and also inner and outer islands.

Other senior appointments – principal secretaries, advisers, chief executives and deputy chief executives - were announced over the following two days.

Assembly approves three new ambassadors

Jean-Claude Adrienne, Michelle Murray and Conrad Mederic, three Seychellois who have built a career in diplomacy with many years of experience in their field and appointed as ambassadors by President Danny Faure, received the unanimous approval of the National Assembly in its session on Tuesday December 6.

The three appointees presented themselves one by one in the above mentioned order to be questioned by Assembly members after they had made a brief presentation of themselves, their career journey and progression leading to their appointment as ambassador.

Following their approval by the National Assembly in the morning, President Danny Faure met the three new ambassadors at State House in the afternoon to present them with their Instrument of Appointment as ambassador and congratulated them on their appointments.

The President also thanked members of the National Assembly for their support and the important role they played in appointing the new ambassadors.

Tourism Minister St Ange resigns

Alain St Ange submitted his resignation as Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine on Tuesday December 27 after writing to President Faure expressing his intention to apply for the post of secretary general of the World Tourism Organisation. 

In accepting the resignation, President Faure thanked Minister St Ange for the enormous contribution he had made to the promotion and development of tourism and culture in Seychelles, and for his support and advice on many matters discussed in Cabinet.

After President Faure wrote to the Speaker of the National Assembly, seeking the Assembly's approval for the appointment of Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne as Minister, his nomination was approved after only the 14 Parti Lepep members voted in favour, while the LDS members abstained. Mr Loustau-Lalanne was sworn in as Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine on Friday December 30.

Budget debated in the National Assembly

For the first time, all ministers, principal secretaries, special advisers, chief executives and deputy chief executives have to be present in the National Assembly to defend their request and give explanations as to why they should be given their requested amount from the national budget for 2017 which amounts to R7,796,480,879.

Compiled by G. G.

captions

President Faure and his Cabinet of Ministers

The three ambassadors in a souvenir photo with President Faure after he had presented them with their Instrument of Appointment as ambassador

Election Commission chairman Hendrick Gappy announcing results of the election

Former President James Michel congratulating LDS leader Roger Mancienne after the legislative election

LDS supporters celebrate their party’s win in the National Assembly election

LDS members of the National Assembly

Parti Lepep members of the National Assembly

Danny Faure taking the oath of allegiance and oath of office as the fourth President of the Republic of Seychelles, succeeding James Michel

VP Meriton, President Faure, Designated Minister Mondon and Minister Larose

Mr Loustau-Lalanne is congratulated by President Faure after becoming the new Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine