Panic in the ranks?
The fight to win the elections being held this month has again proven that not only are they (the elections), pivotal to how democracy in Seychelles develops, but also that not everything is as it seems to be.
This week there has been an outcry from both of the established bigger political parties – namely United Seychelles (US) and Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) – each accusing the other of using underhanded tactics to try and sway the votes.
LDS supporters claim that US representatives have been calling them asking them to vote for them, while US turns the finger right around claiming that the ‘Danny Out’ posters appearing on certain poles are the work of the LDS.
The incessant finger pointing shows that although both sides are proclaiming they will indeed win both the legislative and executive elections – they do have some uncertainty about eventually really winning.
While the Electoral Commission’s tireless efforts to get voters to register and check their names, have fallen on deaf ears, as generally voters have shown a lack of interest in the whole process and therefore a lot of uncertainty on both camps ability to convince voters, the latest episode of the blame game is tantamount to admitting that both parties know they have let the people down.
Citizens avidly following the local political scene, have already voiced opinions of low voter turnout despite the numerous chants, and supporters proudly sporting their party’s paraphernalia.
A brief chat with people around town has also shown that not only are they disenchanted, but even utterly disappointed with the way both sides are always ready with an excuse when asked about pertinent questions affecting the Seychellois’ basic needs.
“We were not in the executive, so we could only do so much!” is the LDS battle cry, while on the other hand US is maintaining that the legislative was always blocking the change it wanted to bring about!
Passing the buck has finally brought us to the point where both are pointing fingers at the other claiming that they are partaking in illegal activities, a desperate attempt to garner as many votes as possible.
While this is going, independent candidates as well as the newly-formed One Seychelles are on the sidelines watching the mudslinging going on.
Alas, the media is also stuck in the middle while these politicians clasp at straws to win votes instead of doing what should have been done from the onset – which is buckle down and work for the people of Seychelles in order to earn their trust and votes. The people have decided to have their say in the ballot boxes.
