LDS message on anniversary of change by party leader Roger Mancienne   |26 October 2021

Mr Mancienne

“On the anniversary of our victory in the national elections of October 2020, LDS leaders join together with all our members and supporters in a spirit of celebration of the change that has put our country on a new path of freedom, democracy and responsible government. We also embrace all the people of Seychelles who accepted the change of leadership in good spirit and who brought their goodwill and patriotism to work with us towards a new future.

“Our party achieved the first peaceful transfer of power in our history after a long and persistent struggle against the odds. It was a battle to secure our right as citizens to engage freely and without fear in determining the destiny of our country. It was also a mission to bring truth to our history and to redress the wrongs that so many of our brothers and sisters have endured.

“LDS assumed leadership of the country in very difficult times. The Covid-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented threat to our nation, putting at risk the health and well-being of our people and the stability of our country. At the same time, the response to the pandemic during the first months, before the change of leadership, had misused and wasted our financial resources leaving our economy close to collapse.

“Our party will be remembered in history for achieving a peaceful and orderly transition of power and also for courageous leadership in responding to the difficult circumstances. We have gained international recognition for setting an example of respect for democracy, justice and the rule of law and for dealing with the national emergency.

“We thank the people of Seychelles for the spirit of understanding, support and sacrifice which they have given our leaders in meeting these challenges. If we have been able to avert the biggest dangers and to set the country on a course for the future, it is because so many have come together.

“As we celebrate this first anniversary, we look forward with hope to achieving the goals we have set for the government of our country over the course of the mandate which the people of Seychelles have entrusted us with. There is much to do and little time to do it all but with national unity and solidarity we will succeed in making Seychelles a better country for all its citizens.”