– Almasalla news | Arab Tourism Portal News
Political turnover is a fundamental feature of democratic regimes. Their purpose is to provide citizens with an opportunity to freely choose, in a transparent and fair manner, their political leaders, and allocate leadership power peacefully. Unbalanced or restricted competition go against democratic aspirations of the electorate.
undemocratic
It would be wholly undemocratic if the long-standing duopoly of red and green camps were permitted to continue dominating the political arena, unchallenged by any new political force. The same faces or party colours cannot be permitted to keep reappearing on the ballot paper for decades (for generations, even), while other parties are bullied into submission and dissuaded from contesting the entrenched duopoly.
National elections
This year, a third force has not only surfaced to contest the red and green camps, but it has truly established itself as a worthy and viable contender in the National elections. It has made a significant impact upon the electorate, and is making the duopoly tense and uncomfortable. Underlying tensions in a society and high-stake competition can result in violent and corrupt elections.
James Michel
The acceptance of election results by the losing candidates and parties is a critical issue; With one side having dedicated the past 30 years to winning the presidential seat, and the other having a personal point to prove that they can make it without the backing or endorsement of former President James Michel, ONE SEYCHELLES is caught in the middle of two polarized and power-hungry political parties.
Perseverance candidate
ONE SEYCHELLES’ Perseverance candidate, namely Mr. Bernard St.Ange, has already been victimized in more ways than one since entering the political arena this year. He was first called up to State House and it was indicated that his job security could not be guaranteed if he participated in the upcoming elections for ONE SEYCHELLES.
political victimization
This morning, he awoke to find his family’s vehicle heartlessly and senselessly vandalized. With one political camp infamously sending for sniffer dogs to find out who had ripped one of their posters in a district, what will be the police reaction to political victimization such as this, and damage to personal property?
Seychellois persecuted
As pressure mounts and entrenched political parties realize their grip on key districts is slipping away rapidly, how safe is anyone who defies the red and green duopoly? With the one-party rule supposedly well behind us, why are Seychellois persecuted for openly participating in politics and going against the grain?
guarantee the safety
President Faure was asked what security measures have been put in place to guarantee the safety of Seychellois during the election period, and immediately thereafter in the event of a political turnover, during one press conference. His response was circular and evasive. However, with one individual allegedly recently being apprehended with grenades, and another incident of shooting at Bel Air not too long ago, it is disconcerting that members of the public are having seemingly unfettered access to firearms and other forms of dangerous weaponry. Particularly this close to the pivotal National elections, many are expressing their concern that ordinary Seychellois are quietly being armed within the population.
reminiscent of the Coup d’état
It is unclear at this stage what is motivating their desire to be armed, but the timing of it is rather suspicious. It is reminiscent of the Coup d’état era where control of the Government was taken by force rather than by popular vote.
positive leadership qualities
Desperation and greed drive some weak-willed people do extremely foolish things – it is hoped that all politicians in this year’s elections have the requisite moral fiber, integrity, self-restraint and positive leadership qualities to guide their decision-making in the coming weeks.
If any succumb to violence, this reflects on their capacity (or, rather, lack thereof) to be a good leader for our Nation.
