BREAKING NEWS – PRESIDENT MICHEL DECLARED RE-ELECTED
At 12.58 a.m. did the Electoral Commissioner declare President James Michel as re-elected, after addressing a team of election observers and from the Diplomatic Corps.
Out of the four contestants the main opposition candidate Wavel received 23.878 votes or 41.43 percent, against President Michel’s 31.966 votes, giving him the victory with a 55.46 percent majority. The two other contestants managed to poll a combined 3.11 percent or 1.789 votes.
The President was at hand for the announcement and upon being declared duly re-elected addressed the people of the Seychelles and those present.
The result is in line with unofficial pre-election polls – no official polls were conducted – and a result of a remarkably transparent and entirely peaceful voting process as witnessed by this correspondent amongst about 100 other election observers from SADC and the Commonwealth.
The eTN team extends warmest congratulations to President Michel of the Party LEPEP upon his election win and to the losing candidates for a fair campaign which between 27th April and 15th May unfolded equally peacefully, without a single incident of violence.
18 Responses
The Seychellois are a naturally peaceful people… but had the OPPOSITION won, I guarantee you it would have been a much different story. Top officials of the ruling party had publicly announced in past campaigns that if they ever lose they would take the country back by force. Note: the nation’s army is 100% there to serve the governing party… not the people! It must be remembered that they hijacked our small nation in a coup that claimed the lives of 2 people (does this make it a bloody coup?), and then declared it a one-party state, imprisoning those they considered as threats, then deporting them and declaring them “non-citizens”. Several others disappeared off the face of the earth, charred and tortured bodies (including one South African tourist who was friends with a local boy who was also murdered) began to appear in locations around the islands. Common break-ins into homes of non-supporters by special militia forces, beating up moms and dads in front of their children and dragging them off to jail. A LOT of terrors in the night! I GREW UP with this!!! FEAR still reigns in the islands to this day! Buying of votes is a common practice in these peaceful islands which the ‘Observers’ seem unwilling to acknowledge. Maybe they don’t want to rock the boat? What about the last elections 5 years ago when some people arrived at the polling station to find out that their ‘DEAD’ relatives had already voted! What about the 200+ so-called Seychellois descendants from KENYA who so happened to be in Seychelles on election day (accommodated and looked after by the governing party), supposedly in the country to seek information on their ancestors? What about the common practise BOOZE NIGHTS in community halls around the islands, run by the governing party, during election campaigns? And we wonder why DRUGS and ALCOHOL addictions of EPIDEMIC proportion in the Seychelles!!! FOOD FOR THOUGHTS, ANYONE?
well said
you must be leaving in some in either africa or south america and not the eychelles.
it is a miracle that you are still alive.
i do not believe ain the shit you are talking about for the 2006 election as all political parties have representative in all polling stations and have the right to object any irregularites so get your facts rights and stop the b******t.congrats to michel and parti lepep
I read your article about our elections and found it completely lacking in content and reality. For your information only the Party Lepep of James Michel paid voters and paid out big since our country has become so run down that the other parties cannot afford to pay voters or to hold rallies. I attach an extract from todays Think Africa Press for you information and knowledge and hope you will take note of our plight.Also none of the other candidates appeared for the electoral announcement on the day of election.
“Yes it was just another day in paradise as you say with most people going down quietly to carry out their civic duty. Unfortunately not all Seychellois were of the same frame of mind for this eventful day. Unfortunately most opposition and international observers in the country for the election were caught completely off guard by the unscrupulous massive dishonesty, corruption and payment for votes and other tactics of the government candidate. I call the latter that because he used all means of government at his disposal to influence the result including the single media of our country.
Here is the result of that peaceful day in paradise.
Joint Statement by Presidential Candidates Wavel Ramkalawan, Phillipe Boullé and Ralph Volcere on Campaign Violations and Illegitimacy of Results
We, candidates in the presidential election held on 19-21 May 2011, condemn the violations of the law and the Electoral Code of Conduct which have occurred during the electoral process.
We consider the process to have been seriously flawed owing to abuses by the Parti Lepep and deficiencies on the part of the Election authority, and we therefore unconditionally reject the result.
We feel that the whole democratic structure of the country was compromised by the manner in which the elections were conducted and the results they produced.
We comment here on three main areas.
a. Vote buying and funding
b. Use of state resources by the Parti Lepep
c. Inability of the Electoral Commissioner to stop abuses and violations
Vote buying and funding
There has been a systematic use of money to influence the vote by the Parti Lepep which has included the gifts of large amounts of construction materials, other goods and cash disbursements which have occurred before and during the campaign period. These practices became even more widespread and intense during the cooling-off period and on polling day when many illegal assembly points were operated where money was given in return for voting for the Parti Lepep or not voting for another candidate. The use of money to buy votes had a direct bearing on the outcome of the elections.
The Parti Lepep massively outfunded other candidates in the campaign. So long as money is disproportionately used by one candidate over the others, any result has to be seen as determined by financial considerations.
Use of state resources
The state-funded media, Seychelles Nation and SBC, were monopolised throughout the campaign by the government, giving a clear advantage to the incumbent candidate. Both media showed a clear reluctance to be fair and missed no opportunity to give coverage to the President and government initiatives in clear breach of their constitutional and legal obligations. Reporting calculated to influence the outcome of elections continued up to polling day.
The incumbent candidate conducted his campaign from State House using Government resources, including the Presidential Standard for campaign broadcasts. On polling day itself, Government resources were used on behalf of Parti Lepep, such as the use of the clinic at Glacis and an ambulance to transport voters to the polling station.
Inability of the Electoral Commissioner to stop abuses
The Electoral Commissioner was unable or unwilling to deal with campaign abuses and violations which were reported. The police was likewise unwilling or ineffective in dealing with complaints.
The most common violations during the campaign period were in relation to campaign posters and boards but most serious were the operation of assembly stations and checkpoints on polling day which were used to influence voters. Numerous instances of interference with voters were reported in various districts but there was no effective action to correct the situation. The widespread abuses were allowed to be conducted with impunity giving the Parti Lepep candidate an unfair advantage in the process.
Conclusion
These abuses and violations have made the 2011 Presidential Election a sham. Unless they can be corrected with clear laws and regulations, in particular regarding the use of money or other material incentives and effective control by an independent election authority and the police, elections are meaningless.
We therefore reject the result of the election as announced by the Electoral Commissioner and call on the Election Observers, the Churches and Religious Organisations, Civil Society and the people of Seychelles to join us in condemning this affront to the democratic process and the abuses of an incumbent president to retain power by the use of his privileges and state institutions under his control and the exploitation of the weak and the poor through financial means.
Wavel Ramkalawan Philippe Boullé Ralph Volcere
Seychelles National Party Independent Candidate New Democratic Party
May 23, 2011
Thank you I am afraid to mention my name such is the state of this country which you people do not seem to grasp
You are free to voice your opinion, even without name, something about a dozen hotel employees and dozens of Seychellois coming from the polls did not seem to be bothered about as they gave their names, freely admitted whom they voted for including the opposition candidates and had no vague and imagined fear that something could happen to them …
And like it or not, the same hotel employees, when the results had been announced, were bitter with their opposition candidates for abandoning them through absence.
In the interest of fair and balanced reporting and comments I post this response if for nothing else but to show that democracy works both ways.
Dead relatives voted come on, that is so easy to check on if it was so lol I dont know if you are living in seychelles but i couldnt help but smile about the rubbish you just wrote. buying of votes lol all the parties those that, my own family members has benefited from gift given by both strong contenders.
BOOZE NIGHT, come on, whats a party without a bit of alcohol, the only reason SNP was not having their usual BOOZE NIGHT was because they have spend so much of their party money for their own personal gain that private business was not willing to support them anymore. And they lost votes because of the own mess inside of their Party
congratulations to the president,especially for free and fair elections.
What a load of …….! The SPPF hve been rigging the votes since they took power through a coup.They’ve had 5 years to manipulate the system to ensure that they win. Just because the polling day itself was conducted in an orderly and peaceful fashion does not mean that the elections were fair. Wake up and smell the coffee.
I don’t know why they bother spending Seychellois money to go through this farcical process every 5 years. What a joke.
true
Peaceful as expected. Seychelles today is a shining beacon of a civilised and friendly people, fortunate to live in a beautiful environment, managing their limited resources with care.
who ever have suffered in the past the people of seychelles appologise, but on this road to social justice for all the people, people with previlages have to give it up for the benefit of all.
like all the countries in the world we have our specific problems
But we must be honest in our views and comments, The SPUP,SPPF and Now Party Lepep has work in the interest of all the people by so doing the richer were not happy, because they think that thier sons should not be in the school like a an ordinary seychellois.
That is why Party lepep will always win elections in this country, the party do not rig the election The people The ordinary people decides, becuase they have benefited under the system and they seen the future of their sons and daughters.
Its time for all of you out there still spreading bad remarks on your country to get to terms with your thinking and liberate yourself from this negativity and see things more clearly with an open mind.
That is why the opposition in the country always get it wrong and the majority of the people vote for Party lepep, You must aknowledge the goods things that is happening in your country you must be honest, no matter if you do not support Parti Lepep, the truth always prevail.
Now lets joint together in this NOUVO SESEL and work for our country
And isn’t that exactly what I found while here, this time and on previous occasions … join hands and succeed, the Seychelles are too small for divisive politics as suggested in some comments which I had to delete for their hateful expressions against the government.
where have u guys been?
Dear Seycelloise,
As an outsider,’tourist’ if you like I have visted the Seychelles many times over the years and even married a Seychelloise lady, so I feel I have some undertanding of the political situation of the country.
The SPPF now PP have been in power since their coup detat in 1977 and although in 1992 constituional changes were made to allow multi-party politics, they still hold sway. As for vote rigging, I have heard many stories over the years in which people have been offered various things to vote for the ruling party, how endemic this is, is difficult to say when you don’t live there. I have also frequently heard that nothing really changes or things don’t get done until election years and that people rarely see their MP in some cases.
Yes there is a strong support for the SNP, but as pointed out the televsion channel and radio is state owned and controlled power (PP), so probably more air time is given over to the PP party. Also through conversations with various people, I can say for certain that SBC cannot really be critical of PP or the President, so there is a case here for impartiality. Also why does the government make it so difficult and expensive for an oppostion radio to be set up?
Other examples of if you like unchecked control of power is with IDC, Air Seychelles and other companies or Governmental affiliated companies. The same people have been controlling these for years?
My take on the Seychelles is, yes it’s a beautiful place, the people are lovely on the whole, although alot of them are impoverished to some extent and have a hard life, compared with a smaller elite of well off who have been holding all the cards. In a way Seychelles is really a benign (Socialist) dictartorship. I am not assuming which party is the better, PP or SNP, but it is the age old problem in politics that the longer a party holds power, the more comfortable they become and the less changes will come about. Sure democracy is all about the voice of the people but for a society to be progressive, there has to be a time when there is a change in the political establishment. For better or worse, a change of party will make politicians work harder and empower more freedom for the people.
The new term of office for President Michel will undoubtedly see reforms and changes unfold and with his new mandate he can now embark on implementing his vision for ALL Seychellois. Thank you for reading my articles.
Seychelles Sham Elections Move To One Party State
No sooner then the British Royal couple Prince William and Catherine of Cambridge left Seychelles, the results of the rigged election and sham process by the Communists surfaced for the world to see.
Quickly Swear in the Sham President
As quickly as the rigged elections in Seychelles were shammed with the help of the appointed Electoral Commissioner, the Sham President Elect James Michel held ceremonies at State House on the grass, inviting ex -wives, current wives and future wives to attend. In the back row from the women, one could see the religious and the diplomatic corps that seemed to keep a distance from the fanfare and a stricken frown on their faces as the kissing went on.
Swear in The Sham Consul of Ministers in a Hurry
This week, the Consul of Ministers was sworn in. All those that lined up to kiss the Communist President, were re-instated in their posts. The boot lickers that sold out from the opposition were not seen in the line up. They must have been at home watching the event, and wondering what their future had in store for them.
A word of advice to the “sell outs”: when you make a deal with the devil, the devil is always in the details. Don’t say I did not tell you so, I did.
As Christians we will all pray for you all and your family for liberation from mental slavery under the Communists. When you are down, sing a song of “Freedom”. Sometimes, it is all you really ever have.
No Opposition in National Assembly
There was no opposition (SNP) in the National Assembly this week. They have promised the People of Seychelles, that they will not to go back to the National Assembly where laws and national issues are debated until the One Party Electoral Laws that have not changed materially for Seventeen (17 years as per Commonwealth recommendations and SADC be so amended to allow a genuinely free fair level playing field for all parties.
This bold but necessary and overdue move by the SNP is heroic on their part if they stick to their guns, and do not waiver and change their minds and give us another lame excuse why they cannot stay out of the National Assembly.
Judging from past experience, I will not hold my breath on the matter. The No. 2 mentality if heavily and deeply engrained in SNP leadership DNA, they like to lose. Hence why we had a Three (3) man opposition race in the election and encouraged it, by ignoring my pleas for a united opposition for years now.
They must change leadership to have any hope as a party. When that happens, I will be happy to work with new dynamic pro-active, leadership to bring about change. We do not have to lose every Five (5) years, when we
Can win everyday!
“Attitude” is that little thing that makes a big difference, in an organization.
Enter One Party State Seychelles
This counter reaction to rigged elections and a sham process by the Communist Party of Seychelles, now takes Seychelles back in a One Party State. You will recall MSR was denied registration as a party. Viral Dhanjee was kicked out of the corridors of the Electoral Commissioners office, denied to stand as an Independent Candidate. The Courts conspired with the Communists to enforce these arbitrary and capricious decisions.
Autocracy Rules Us
James Michel the sham election President has now turned a chapter and become an autocratic leader. The evidence of this evolving autocracy is evident to the international community.
Soon when Michel makes a phone call to a supplier, we will get a press release. This practice is similar to his friend Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed al Nayan’s manner in which he runs his government. Michel is ignoring how Rene did things or tried to improve, and imitates what Khalifa does, though without the same purse. We are faced with a reality today, that Michel could be worse for Seychelles then Rene himself at this point. He runs the country like a Ten (10) year old behind a Ferrari, ignoring sensitivities that hold the country together like little fabric to a cloth. Left unfettered, Seychelles will come apart under James Michel watch.
Already the mountains behind Ephelia Hotel Port Glaud are burning on fire. La Misere, mountains, near Khalifa’s residence burns. My Office Annex has been set aflame. Lydia Jumeau’s car was set a blaze in the darkness of the night. Last night, human bones were found at Intendance Beach planted in the beach sand, next to Banyan Tree Hotel. The head of what appears to be a missing worker at Ephelia Hotel, as been found this week at the bottom of the sea not far from Ephelia Hotel.
Before elections, MSR truck was shot by a 9mm gun by State House agent.
I demanded a settlement in the matter and it has been ignored. I demand a settlement again. As I do for the breaking into the MSR office and stealing of our campaign materials and office equipment.
Think twice; when you decide you want to abuse power, man. The days of Idi Amin Da Da are over. If you think you will pull a Sheik Khalifa on us, you better think twice. Seychellois will not tolerate Autocracy!
UN Human Rights Sanction on Seychelles
Recently, the UN Human Rights Commission sanctioned Seychelles for not filing a Human Rights Country Report for Seventeen (17) years, required under Eight (8) international conventions. Not a single report- 17 years.
The real reason being, the human rights violations in Seychelles are committed mostly by the Communists themselves, they are tasked with preparing the reports. Sanctions can last as long as Four (4) years. The cover up has been for 34 years. Now the World is on to the sham on human rights.
Freedom House Ranks Seychelles With Ukraine
Freedom House, which promotes freedom, civil liberties in emerging democracies ranked Seychelles recently, along side Ukraine in curtailing of Freedom of the Press. The survey was released in honor of World Press Freedom Day, May 3.
We did not hear a peep on World Press Freedom Day in the Seychelles. That is because under Michel PL Communist Party similar to the Ukraine, too much power is concentrated in the hands of one man.
We see him on TV every night for 15 minutes out of a 30 minute news program. Additionally these programs are run three (3) more times over and over.
When Michel shakes hands with someone, the cameras are there. When Michel kisses someone, the cameras are there. When Michel sits down, the cameras are there. When Michel walks, the cameras are there. This omnipresence is highly destructive to democracy. It is like putting acid in our rice and wishing a healthy meal to the people.
Newspaper Act et al of 1991
Freedom House could not have been on point more, to rank Seychelles with Ukraine in Press Freedom.
Until today, the Seychelles Press functions if at all, under the One Party dictatorship laws enacted by France Albert Rene called the Newspaper Act.
This ancient law imposes severe brutal restrictions on the Press and makes it penal in nature, to publish if the Communist government does not like what is being written.
Public Orders Act et al (1991)
This One Party State act, which is still in full enforce, provides for strict requirements to protest and peaceful assembly. One must obtain approval
from the Commissioner of Police to conduct a meeting in Public where three (3) or more persons collect. Failing an approval, the Police have the power to arrest and power to detain the Three (3) citizens.
For Seventeen (17) years the SPPF PL Communist Party has kept this law in force. Recently this year, just before the election season was launched, the Commissioner of Police Andre Quatre and the Home Affairs Minister, Mr. Joel Morgan, went on television and declared that any person that conducts
an assembly or protest will be dealt with, as they said that pictures of men holding ak-47’s and tear gas was flashed.
This overt threat and massacre of the right to assemble, protest and expression, applies only to opponents of the Communist government in Seychelles. It does not apply to the Communists themselves. Pictures of the Freedom Square rally and other rallies in the last election show this. The right to assemble is a reserved and privileged right in the Seychelles.
The international community is put on notice of this grave autocratic practice ongoing in the Seychelles today, that is another nail in the coffin of Democracy and Freedom in this Country.
There is no Democracy in Seychelles and Freedom’s are not respected. What we have is a very efficient voting process that is patently laden with fraudulent voters on the Voters List. This, the Commonwealth Head of Delegation, Dr. Hunt from St. Lucia, told NGO’s in Seychelles is common in all countries and we as citizens must take proactive steps to clean up the list once and for all.
Initial Observer Reports Do Not look Good
Initial reports point to a “credible voting process” (D- of reports) and do not address the leveling of the playing field in which Freedom must respected to allow Democracy in Seychelles to flourish.
No observer group was forth coming with the A+ of reports: “……that the elections were Free and Fair’ Hence, the voting results was credible”.
Seychelles elections are impossible to be “Free and Fair” under Communists, especially now that we are back in the One Party State, and there is no debate anymore. Silence rules, as James Michel hogs the television screen, radio airwaves, and newspapers, all funded by the State.
I expect to be arrested and detained for this blog any day now.
Seselwa Unite!
Sesel Pou Seselwa!
May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!
you are politically well by saying all those democratic remarks about all the penalties we should bear and these must be stop for us to be free, love from praslin, seychelles.