THE POLITICAL DIVIDE IS GETTING OBVIOUSLY WIDER!
According to sources very close to the two warring factions, Danny Faure, was not Michel’s preferred choice for Finance Minister. Jacquelin Dugasse, was Michel’s choice.. The choice of Finance Minister was imposed on Michel by people wielding power superior to his own. And Michel who inherited the presidency because of his total loyalty to the power that be, had no choice but to relent; yet again, without even putting up an argument to try to impose his will on the situation.
Furthermore, Danny Faure has been installed, contrary to the SMB Act, as the new chairman of the Seychelles Marketing Board (SMB), to camouflage past bad practises of this organisation. That is despite of the fact that by law the Chairman of the Board (SMB) must be the President of the Republic. Michel has been forced into not adhering to the law of the land, which he swore allegiance to upheld only recently in the gardens of State House – on his inauguration as Head of State before television cameras, foreign ambassadors and local bigwigs. Michel is now fast distancing himself from all elements known for their association with Danny Faure. His (Michel) favoured choice of financial concubines on his various trips overseas so far are Chang Leng and or Dugasse. State House, it is believed is far from impressed by the budget address delivered to the Nation last week by the new Finance Minister.
Just after the recent presidential election, July 2006, Michel had hoped that the newly acquired mandate (and the political capital that goes with it) was his given that the electorate had endorsed his candidacy, albeit with a slim majority. This is not happening; his predecessor is as active as ever, behind the scene, charting the political and economic directions of the country from ‘Maison du Peuple’; assisted by agents, imposed on Michel’s Administration, spread throughout the government. One such agent is the newly created post of security advisor to the president, a position that didn’t exist during Rene’s reign. No one within government or the SPPF dare express dissatisfaction, their livelihood and that of their family, depending on how their protestation is registered, could be at stake. Remember Mr. Simon Gill?
By all accounts Michel is now severely handicapped only five months into a fresh term of five years. This situation couple with the deteriorating political climate, if allowed to continue, spells disaster and further economic stagnation for the entire country. All the rhetoric and political propaganda (designed to mask reality), which has been the hallmark of Michel’s presidency so far will fail in pulling the country out from the pit Seychelles is in, as a result of thirty years of autocratic rule. Michel is now choosing to spend as much time abroad as he possibly can to get away from the daily pressures being exerted on his rule. Political observers are saying that it is a way of managing the frustration his government finds itself in and by a force he has absolutely no control over. Michel must now cultivate a working relationship with the Opposition in order to acquire popular appeal in his struggle against the enemies within.
Rumour has it that his party leader is totally against the idea of him (Michel) meeting with Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, the elected leader of the Opposition, in any shape or form for discussions. If Michel in his capacity as President of the Republic has any respect for the democracy, which he and his party claim exists under the third Republic he has an obligation to meet his political opponents now that the election is over. Wavel, as the Leader of the Opposition and the SNP MNAs, represent the electorate as much as the SPPF members. Altogether they represent 100% of the electorate. As President of the Republic he must work for 100% of the people.
Michel has the unique opportunity before him to put the
A quote from the legendary Dr. Martin Luther King might help President Michel reflect better on circumstances around his presidency: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Dr Martin Luther King
(Political correspondent)