SPPF Scared

SPPF RUNNING SCARED

Barry Faure’s appointment as ambassador will trigger bye-election

It is now official that Barry Faure, elected MNA for Anse Royale, has been appointed Seychelles Ambassador to Brussels. This appointment was not altogether unexpected and speculation on it has been floating for some time. What is interesting is that the appointment is to a civil service post. The President himself has highlighted the necessity to fill this post as a matter of priority. Mr. Faure should be confirmed in the position by the National Assembly soon and as expected take up his duty forthwith as a civil servant.

As a responsible, elected member for Anse Royale he should stand aside and a bye- election should be held. In any well functioning democracy, this should never be a problem. However, we live in Seychelles and do things ‘the Seychelles way’, and that does not necessarily mean the right way. A bye-election would provide the perfect litmus test of the current thinking of the electorate. Barry Faure will not be easy to replace – it will be a difficult prospect convincing the Anse Royale electorate to accept an untried, relatively novice campaigner. We all know, however, that Barry Faure will remain as MNA at Anse Royale until a new election is held for the National Assembly that is ‘the Seychelles way’.

Under normal circumstances and in showing respect for the electorate who have stood by him loyally for many years despite the obvious gaffes like the Anse Royale Landfill, which is now a white elephant he should resign his position of MNA and allow a bye-election. This would be the honorable thing to do, probably too honorable for the honorable gentleman.

According to a reliable source, elected member for Pointe Larue, Mr. Dick Esparon recently tendered his resignation in protestation in the way his brother was removed from his position with STB. He has been asked to hold on until after the Presidential election. The resignation was not accepted because the SPPF is anxious and fear a bye-election at this crucial point. They fear the outcome will be one not in their favor reflecting badly as a clear indicator of the coming presidential election.

According to reliable sources, the presidential election originally planned for the last week of July has now been pushed back to early August 6th on Mahe and 1st - 5th on the outer islands. The SPPF’s intention had been to hold only the presidential election. The situation is so critical for them that they are now contemplating holding the two elections together. The party is having some difficulty in attracting credible candidates to represent them. At Anse Aux Pins Walter Confait is standing down whilst Ms. Jumaye is set to replace Mrs. Ginette Gamatis in Port Glaud. They are in trouble in Baie Lazare where they want to replace the MNA but can’t find a suitable replacement.

With news that the oppositions are sure to fight the election on the same ticket - the latest polls puts an SNP/DP alliance firmly at 60% with 5% undecided leaving the SPPF with 35%. Change is now within the reach of the Seychellois, they must reach out and grab it with both hands, it will be good for self and country.