Much ado about nothing
The historic and long awaited presidential debate was aired on the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) on Friday, whereby the three hopefuls were given the chance to drive their message to the electorate and maybe win a few votes along the way.
Danny Faure, United Seychelles (US) candidate was the first to address the audience as he answered the question put to him as to why he should be voted in office, stating his faith, values and integrity as the main reasons qualifying him. The One Seychelles candidate, Alain St Ange followed by explaining his and his party’s aim of eradicating poverty in the country as well as his respect for the diversity in Seychelles as valid reasons he too should become the next president. And last but not least, Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) candidate, Wavel Ramkalawan came in proclaiming that his government would put Seychellois at the center of development, he would work to bring closure to those who had been affected by the Coup d’états, all in line with the party’s battle cry of including all Seychellois in its development.
To note, the idea of a debate has always been brought forward by underdogs in previous elections, all wanting that one chance of telling the people of Seychelles what they have to bring to the table. So, it is no surprise that too many of us unfamiliar with the idea of politicians informing their electorate in a calm manner of their core political beliefs is one that was long awaited, as voters firmly believed that such a setting would stop the ruling party always directing the narrative as it has in the past.
To keep the candidates talking for the two hours, eight questions were prepared in advance covering many topics that would shed a light on the direction the three men’s governments’ would take the country in the five coming years. SBC had prior to holding the debate asked members of the public who had any questions to send them in, it was in that pool of questions that the candidates carried on their debate for the evening – albeit general issues that they had already treated in one way or another during their respective campaigns.
One Seychelles’ flagship tenet of legalizing Marijuana, was deftly avoided by Mr. Ramakalawan, who instead laid the gauntlet at the citizens’ feet stating that this is an issue that politicians should not have to decide on, but rather allow the people to inform politicians of their sentiments on legalizing the herb.
Other hot topics also treated on the night was the manner through which returning graduates, especially those from Shannon College were not granted the respect they so deserved.
Covid 19 and its ensuing chaos was also the highlight of the evening, with Mr. Faure subliminally drilling it into the audience’s psyche that they are being paid, despite the economic downturn the country is facing. However, it must be noted that this argument only served to highlight US’ desperation, while its long history of consistently failing the country being flung in Mr. Faure’s face.
Admittedly, the local audience would have been much more entertained had there been blatant mudslinging and an occasional temper being lost here and there. The arguments were not as strong as they could have been, and the rebuttals left much to be desired.
With the looming part two of the debate already planned, it is hoped that the birthing slip-ups of going overtime and not putting the candidates on the spot on certain statements made will be rectified.
One thing is for sure though, we the audience will be better prepared to deal with the expected sermonizing, defensiveness and glibness of those debating.
Contributed…
