SNAP becomes Seychelles’ eighth political party |23 November 2023

Mr Lucas hands over the official registered certificate to Mr Padayachy, along with the list of certified voters for 2023

The Seychelles National Alliance Party (SNAP) has officially received its approval certificate from the Electoral Commission after passing the necessary criteria to be qualified as a political party.

In a short ceremony that took place at the headquarters of the Electoral Commission at Sacos Tower yesterday morning, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Seychelles, Danny Lucas, and SNAP chairman, Vincent Padayachy, both signed the official documents.

Mr Lucas handed over the official registered certificate to Mr Padayachy, along with the list of certified voters for 2023.

In a short address, Mr Padayachy said his party has good intentions and that is to work for the country and its people.

“We want to elevate the level of our country. Those who are less fortunate, those who are middle class and even those who are doing well in the country. We believe that this paradise has potential.”

He proclaimed the party will put into action everything that was set out in their programme and has called on local voters to sign the necessary documents and join them in support.

“People are living in fear, in more fear than before. We need to stop with this, we are living in a democracy.”

Mr Padayachy said he has been involved in politics since 1989 and has helped fought for democracy. However he decided to discontinue with politics due to many issues.

“I thought that when we declared a multi-party state in 1992-1993, this would change, but it did not. It was just present in writing only. The actions were not one of multi-party or democracy. I told the Seychellois people to vote for a change and I helped in that change but unfortunately, I cannot see that change.”

In an interview with the press following the ceremony, SNAP’s chairperson explained their plan was to tackle social issues, and the rise in the cost of living.

The party said the solution is a simple one; and that is to make sure that money was entering the country.

“I sit down and watch the National Assembly discussing the lack of finances. Of course if you do not have money, you will not be able to work. Our objective is to bring money into the country. When you have money, now you can spend it.”

He added that SNAP was not there to fight for positions within the government, or take a dictatorial approach, but rather, to work as team. “This is what is missing in Seychelles. We need a team for us to be able to work in Seychelles.”

Although he is the chairperson at present, Mr Padayachy said he would not necessarily be the presidential candidate, as this would depend on their meetings and conversations.

The SNAP manifesto has been submitted to the Electoral Commission. However, Mr Padayachy noted that not a lot of people read programmes. The spreading of the policies of SNAP will be done in a different way rather than just simply written down documents. There will be meetings done with people in districts, and the classic door to door.

To conclude, the secretary general, Godfra Hermitte, dispelled any thoughts or rumours that SNAP is an act of revenge for snubbed, disgruntled LDS supporters that did not make it in the government.

“It is true that the majority of the people present in SNAP are people who came from LDS and I am one of them. People voted for a change. We are not seeing it,” he stated, adding that “a new party is always great for a democracy”.

The other SNAP committee members are vice-chairperson Cyril Lau-Tee, treasurer Allen Dogley and executive member Ernesto Lionnet.

SNAP handed in its application to the Electoral Commission on September 21, 2023. Mr Lucas attested that all the normal procedures have been adhered to and noted that the procedures usually take two months to be completed. All the documents have been scrutinised, verified and looked into thoroughly. 

Mr Lucas stated that he was encouraged and happy that the democratic process is developing in the country. “We know that all these new political parties are serious. We encourage them to take a constructive approach and I am sure that this is the case and we encourage the young people to contribute in this work that we are all involved in.”

He said the expectation for all the registered political parties, old and new, was for them to put a lot of emphasis on their programmes and what they want to deliver to the Seychellois people.

The addition of SNAP changes the political landscape, bringing the number of political parties to eight.

Sunny Esparon

Photos by Joena Meme