LDS AND US shy away from tripartite district debate
The Independent candidate for Beau Vallon constituency in the general elections Keith André last weekend invited his two opponents to a debate style meeting with the districts constituents. The US candidate Steven Rose and LDS candidate John Hoareau both declined the offer.
One could well understand the refusal from LDS seeing as Hoareau is the defending candidate in the northern Mahé district, which has been an SNP stronghold for three consecutive elections. However, Hoareau will now struggle to win back this district, since there are widespread dissatisfaction against him on the ground at Beau Vallon.
Both the two parties explained that they did not receive any official invitation for the event with United Seychelles stating that it is not against participating in any debate, but it needs advance information so that it could include it on its calendar of events.
For its part LDS maintained that it does not encourage its district candidates to participate in debates. LDS leader Roger Mancienne was of the opinion that such activities can only be organized by organizations not taking part in the elections themselves and which are as such independent. He stressed that LDS is all for participating in organized official events with clear guidelines.
Whatever the reason – the two missed out on an opportunity to truly touch base with their constituents and explain more broadly what they have in mind for Beau Vallon. Keith André went ahead with his meeting despite the fact that the number of people present wasn’t many. He explained that along with the invitation to participate, the two other candidates had also been asked to come with twenty residents of the districts. He said that the number was limited to twenty each simply because of the COVID-19 restrictions and taking into account the venue.
Despite being the sole contender present, André still presented his plans and proposals for Beau Vallon and answered questions from those present. He has been pushing for independent candidates like himself to get more opportunities to showcase their programmes to their constituents. This followed the denial for official campaign airtime in the broadcast media – he has taken the initiative to organize the debate and invite the media, which would have secured him at least some airtime in the news.
André is proving to be a very proactive candidate and one to watch out for in these elections.
For his part, One Seychelles Leader Alain St. Ange who gave a stellar performance in the first ever presidential debate last Friday, has affirmed that had the debate taken place in one of the constituencies his party has fielded a candidate, they would have participated.
“Absolutely. Candidates and political parties should ensure that their constituents get as much information as possible about who is standing for election in their district. A well informed voter is more likely to make the right choice when casting his vote!” St. Ange said
