THERE IS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

THERE IS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

If the results of the general elections have proved one thing, it is that there is still light at the end of the tunnel, despite everything. It shows that the SPPF cannot and will never be able to obliterate an SNP/DP alliance even when the latter was at its worst. The SPPF could not break the 31,000 magic number scoring a humbling 30,500 votes only despite the massive spending. Lest we forget, the SPPF ambushed the SNP in parliament on 20th March by unexpectedly dissolving the National Assembly and calling for snap elections. Immediately prior to the elections the SNP was somewhat erratic as they boycotted the National Assembly, close down Regar and was indecisive as to whether they would definitely participate in the general elections. Clearly buoyed by these turn of events the SPPF decided to take advantage of the situation and capitalize.

The SNP which was caught off guard initially struggled to recover and gain momentum. They also did not organize any rally and spent their money wisely and cautiously. Political paraphernalia was kept at a minimum with limited supply. With the SPPF blowing its own trumpets and predicting 25-0, everybody brace themselves for the worst. Despite all that and against insurmountable odds the loyal and diehard SNP voters again delivered the goods and came to the rescue when it really mattered. The SNP miraculously managed to turn what was expected to be a rout into an unlikely victory; embarrassing the SPPF in the process as Jean Francois Ferari and Wavel Ramkalawan defied all the odds to win Mont Fleuri and Anse Etoile districts respectively, both SPPF strongholds hitherto.

Now that the foundation has been built out of granite there is a need to change political strategy in order to swing the 8% or so odd voters needed to win outright. The coming months are going to be extremely difficult for everybody. The SPPF government is clearly struggling to get the niggling and persistent economic crisis under control. Our debt burden has sky rocketed and is now considered as one of the highest in the world. Acute food shortages and general incompetence is the order of the day for the majority of Seychellois. Unemployment is rapidly rising and inflation is at its highest. Shortages of building materials have also caused frustration slowing down the boom in the construction industry almost to a grinding halt. The government has not helped matters with building contractors not getting paid for work done months ago and are threatening to abruptly cease all remaining work unless the government unblock some funds for payment soon. The foreign exchange crisis is also running riots defying all government efforts to rein it in.

The most vulnerable in society will need all the help they can get. The Social Security System is outdated and under funded and stretched to its limits. It would definitely crumble and disintegrate if pressure is exerted by a sudden rush for benefits as is expected in the coming months. Although President Michel has boasted that 4.3 billion rupees enter into the Seychelles economy annually the money somehow manages to miraculously disappear in thin air without a trace. With a population of 80,000 this kind of revenue is more than enough to allow the Seychellois population to live comfortably. However, Seychelles like the rest of the African continent has not been spared from the scourges of corruption and mismanagement. Promises of an Anti-Corruption Commission, Declaration of Assets, good governance, transparent government and accountability by the President on his inauguration in 2004 have not materialised and remain but broken promises to the people. Promises are made to be broken appears to be the President’s political strategy. Images of people living in squalor and misery were splashed across our TV screens from all over the country during the PPB around the election time. These were the forgotten ones, the ones the government does not want us to see or remember. We all vividly remember the face of little Angelo at upper Copolia staring intently at the SBC camera as his distressed parents gloomily showed the dire living conditions they have endured for the past few years without the so called caring government coming to their rescue. A heart for all the Seychellois? You bet!