Page 6 Liberte

LIBERTE, L’EGALITE, FRATERNITE:

There are three great principles, supposedly at the centre of the SPPF ideology. The Seychelles Nation reminds us daily, except Sundays, of these ideals. It is important to evaluate at this stage how much of these ideals each and every one of us has managed to enjoy under the dictatorship.

Liberty since June 5th 1977 has been according to what is acceptable by the SPPF or on one’s ability to suck up or to be subservient to the powerful. It would be right to say that a few has been more free than most. No price for guessing who the lucky ones are.

Equality like liberty has long been at the centre of political and social life here and elsewhere in the world. The modern expression of the concept is declared in various articles of ‘The United Nations’ declaration of human rights: all men are born free and equal before the law of the land. But this noble declaration does not mean that inequality has just disappeared off the face of the Earth.

In the years just after the revolution, ‘Equality’ was at the top of the SPPF agenda and formed a big part of the ideology. ‘Equality’ is regarded as a constitutional right. It demands that all administrative decisions are made according to law. However, all these good intentions have not been applied in practice. The SPPF have persistently violated this principle. They have been strong in theory but weak in practice.

The rules associated with ‘Equality’ are simple to understand; no man shall be made a slave; equal treatment for all before the law; freedom of thought; freedom of movement, etc. But others are more complex to understand and these are the areas where the violations go unnoticed by a large section of the community.

Political ‘Equality’ does not exist in Seychelles, certainly not under this government. Economic inequality is widely practiced and social injustices are widespread associated with political affiliation. The right to further education overseas is also linked closely with connections rather than exams results. Equal opportunity must not have any political consideration attached to it. It must be based purely on the ability, effort and willingness of the individual.

Fraternity which exist between certain senior elements in the SPPF is not one shared by the majority; it is preventing the progression and prosperity of the nation... The favouritism in existence locally is responsible for almost all the setback this country has experienced. It is time to reverse this situation through the ballot box. Only then can ‘liberte’- ‘egalite’ and ‘fraternite’ truly exist. It will be the greatest gift we could render to the future generation.

“ANNOU TONBE LEVE POU SESEL.”